Know Jack #509 Foolishness

Many people think outside their comfort zone means doing something new. That attitude is for wimps. My comfort zone takes in anything integrity, honor, and duty require. Being the one to provoke the displeasure of supervisors or the crowd fits right in my comfort zone, though they are uncomfortable acts with uncomfortable consequences.

Outside my comfort zone means being willing to look like a fool doing something absolutely untried before, simply because life calls for it. A few years ago, I took up karaoke despite the fact that I was once invited to quit the choir when I was young. I enjoy singing. I used to pester my siblings and then my children by making up and singing songs about them. Make no mistake about it, I can’t sing, but I am willing to look like a fool doing it simply for the fun of it.

More recently, I began writing and let people read it. I know nothing about writing. I don’t have a degree. I haven’t taken a single formal class about it. I may have some latent talent, but that’s questionable at best. It really doesn’t matter because I am willing for readers to think a fool for writing rather than quit doing it.

St. Paul claimed to be a fool for Christ. He would go anywhere, do anything, and say anything to be loyal to Christ’s command. I’m no saint either. Nevertheless, I have taken the same pledge Paul took, and I’m sure I have looked foolish trying to keep it.

There is a sure way to avoid looking like a fool or being criticized. Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing, dare nothing. That is a formula for a living death. Don’t settle for life comfort or a life that guards the ego…next stop...the Twilight Zone.