The Unknown

Why are we so afraid of the unknown? Some people are more than others I realize, but that fear really dictates the decisions we make in our lives. And for most, I bet if they look back at the times they were unhappy in their life, they see that it directly correlated to a fear of stepping out of one's box and consequently being bored of the same things.

I admit I have a fear of the unknown. I know this is most evident when it comes to relationships, but it definitely shows in other aspects of my life, too. However, after living with my folks for awhile, it has been eye opening to see that fear in my own father. Here is this man who I always thought could do anything - and what I found was that he is terrified of what he does not know. He does what he knows and only that. He stays in his "box" and refuses to peek out the hole in the side. He is comfortable, he is familiar, he feels safe.

But how safe is it to live in a world where a person never exits their comfort zone of what they know and are familiar with. I suppose its probably the safest place to be, but it makes people close-minded and so fearful of that unknown. The less that's known about it, the more we fear it.

I have learned that though it may be safe, staying in my box is not satisfying for me. Maybe others have found enough joy to last them forever and never feel a need to press outside of their "box" and learn what the world can offer, but not me. I feel that God made the world this size for a reason, he put so many people of so many races on this earth for a reason, he made so many different regions and landscapes for a reason. I want to push open my box; I want to step outside my comfort zone and see the world, be immersed in a new place with new people.

May God grant the courage to continue to live outside of my box. And expand that further and further with time.