The Fried Egg Theory of Life.
This is the last thing I expected to learn as I went off to pre-field training. And yet I discovered that this theory, when I put it into practice, energized my whole being and took me to places I had never been before.
Now close your eyes and picture your average fried egg – nice round yellow yolk surrounded by a smooth white with squiggly, crinkly edges. The yolk represents each of us as an individual with our personality, interests, activities, strengths, weaknesses, gifts, and skills. The white represents our comfort zone – the normal day to day space in which we live and move and have our being. In our comfort zone we feel in control, on top of things, safe, secure, relaxed.
Hey! Wait a minute! What’s that out there on the edge of my horizon? It is looming, lurking, hovering. I peer cautiously yet curiously out from my cozy confines. Aha! What I see way out there on the edge, beckoning me, beseeching me, is…a challenge. Its prickly form is terrifying yet somehow alluring.
I face a decision. I can choose to keep the squiggly, crinkly edges of my comfort zone right where they are. I can play it safe and ignore that challenge until it slinks away. Or I can stretch my edges, reach out and embrace that challenge. I can choose to risk. And if I do choose to risk, the smooth firm whiteness of my comfort zone will never be the same again. I will never be the same again.
I decide to stretch. I know that, for a while, I will be assailed by doubts, fears, insecurities, and stress! Then, after the dust settles and I look around and take stock, what will I find? I will find that my stretched edges have been filled with growth and greater maturity. I will find I am more aware of myself and more sensitive to others.
My training with Project Accompaniment prepared me to reach out and embrace the challenge of standing alongside Guatemalans in their time of need. My presence would allow them the space to do their own risking, stretching, and growing.
But finally, each of us right here, right now, whoever we are, whatever we do, is facing a challenge of one form or another. Each of us could welcome and experience The Fried Egg Theory of Life on the Edge.
What are your thoughts?
Do you relate to the Fried Egg Theory of Life?
In what way is it relevant to you?
10 responses to “The Fried Egg Theory of Life.”
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A great reminder when challenges arrive! Thank you for the encouragement!
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Thanks for your positive comment. This encourages me. Linda
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Your Fried Egg theory encourages us to take risks and grow, rather than to play it safe and remain stagnant and small. Thanks for the encouragement to venture out and enlarge my territory.
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You are most welcome! I wish you happy enlarging.
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I went off the deep end once or twice, once for sure. The Superintendent of the school I was teaching at came right to my classroom door. He said, “I’ve given you enough time. You’re the only employee in the school that hasn’t signed your contract. Sign it.” I said, “No, I’m not going to sign.” His face crumpled, “What do you have another job lined up?” I shook my head, no. I felt like I was going off of a cliff.
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Lorrie, it sounds like you did not disappear off the cliff. I reckon what you did was a big stretch, a risk. I venture to say that you have grown through that decision.
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I decide to stay in my comfort zone where it is safe. It is a scary place out there in the world! But our Heavenly Father, Creator of each one of us gently nudges and urges and says, “It’s okay! I’ve got you!” So I dip my toe in and find life and a freedom I never knew before!
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Ypur comment is very affirming and encouraging for the rest of us. Thanks!
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It seems that my poor egg gets scrambled a lot. I trust our heavenly Father and check in with Him before too much risk taking. He has never failed me.
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Ronnie, that is a great way to live. I try to do that too. Risks taken in His power have the best outcomes. Not always pleasant, but worth it in the end.
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