Comfort

What gives you comfort?  What gives you a feeling of safety, or maybe gives you the feeling of “Ahhh”, both inside and out?  Many times, we find that it’s in the simple, unexpected things, experiences or places that bring to mind a gentle peace that surpasses all else, like when I slip into my warm/hot tub of water and just soak away the worries of the day.  Now that I’m retired, I look forward to enjoying a cup of tea with my husband on most mornings.  With our cup of tea in hand, we now are entertained with watching the beauty in our back yard – our small lake, the variety of birds and wildlife that continue to entertain us and give us that feeling of comfort and “Ahhh.”  It’s a hub of activity and brings us comfort just enjoying it together – simple pleasures that we have come to appreciate.  Recently, living together with my father-in-law, comfort took on a whole different meaning.  Now as we step into our home the familiar comfort sounds that used to greet us, like dad’s Alexa reading his book, or the news, British marching bands or an old western coming from his “theater room”, are replaced with silence.  Our comfort was knowing that dad was still enjoying life, especially hearing him laugh when listening to an old Honeymooners episode with Jackie Gleason or Laurel and Hardy. How many times do we take these little seemingly insignificant pleasures for granted.  Each one is a little gift from God.  I hope that you will take some time today to appreciate the comforts that you have been blessed with, especially involving the loved ones around you.   I will also try to be more mindful that my true comfort rests in my continued relationship with God.  At the end of each day, it’s not JUST the unexpected things, experiences or special places, but knowing that He alone is my comfort!  Thank you, God, for walking with me on my journey today.  Help me to recognize and be thankful for, the many comforts, ever so small, that you put before me today.   Help us all to do a better job at realizing that you are in everything that is good. 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4

Note:  This is dedicated to my father-in-law, who gave his family and friends, and all whom he met, so much joy, love and comfort.  He began his new journey to heaven, in the comfort of God’s loving arms, on February 10, 2024.  I know he’s dancing again with his lovely bride of 70 years! We’ll miss you dad!