Do you ever think about what truly gives you comfort and Joy? At this time of year we sing about the birth of Jesus bringing us tidings of great joy……we can all agree on that. But what is giving you comfort and joy right now? This minute?
Comfort….. I have a few memories of true comfort….. past and present.
My sisters and brother were married and out of the house by the time I was in the 5th grade, so I was pretty much (according to some) a spoiled only child at that point, ha.
I have this wonderful memory of feeling comfort… it was winter, cold outside. We came home from school (I rode with mother to and from school) and after her coffee and the beginnings of supper, mother sat down on the couch to crochet and watch The Waltons. I would lie on the couch and mother would cover me with the afghan she was creating. It was warm, I always took a nap, and all was right with the world.
Simple but perfect.
Another specific memory I have is a college one……my sweet friend Kenda lived 30 minutes from the William Woods campus and on Sunday afternoons we would wear our pajamas (we all had these ridiculous fleece onesies) and go to Kenda’s parents house. We would lie in the floor in front of the fire and do homework while her mother cooked a meal for us. We were goofy college girls running on empty all the time so this pause was needed and so very comforting.
I think about comforting clothes too, ha
After my retirement I found myself at a loss for appropriate attire. I had “work” outfits and “church” outfits and not a lot else. But hey, this has been an easy fix. stretchy black pants and sweatshirts to the rescue. And as a friend said “I have daytime pajamas and night time pajamas. Comfort comfort comfort. I haven’t made the Walmart facebook “look at this” pics yet but I’ve come mighty close,ha.
Mother would never have been seen in what I wear. But she did want comfortable shoes. She had work shoes, playground shoes and slippers for after work. God only knows how bad her feet hurt. Mine hurt just thinking about it, ha.
Comfort. Comfortable. Being kind to yourself. A cup of coffee. The good kind and with cream for pete’s sake. That and comfortable shoes like mama.
Then there’s joy. Where does yours come from?
For me it’s the obvious (just like yours) it’s family. Seeing your grown children make good life decisions. Jobs, spouses…..and those precious grandchildren who just make your old heart burst with joy.
But I look for joy in other places too. And I always find it, acknowledge it, roll around in it even.
I wake up every morning and find joy in my flowers. A throw back to my grandmother Rosie I guess. Currently it’s the orchid that’s blooming and the Christmas cactus…. joy, joy.
It’s laughing with friends. It’s a good ole hug from somebody you love. Or somebody who just needs it. It’s a great candle, a clean house (housekeeper not me) and gifting somebody who doesn’t expect it.
It’s my Christmas tree with the old fashioned lights that Jack says will burn our house down…sitting in the dark and finding joy in its beauty. It’s singing around a piano during a Christmas party. Appreciating a great sermon or a great friend. It’s a hip that finally works and doesn’t hurt. It’s the little things and the big things….
It’s a perfect Miller’s Mud coffee mug…. JOY!
But we all know the truth….Our real comfort and joy comes through our Savior. Our comfort comes in knowing Christ. Our joy comes in believing our sins are forgiven and our eternity is secure in Him.
I believe HE wants us to experience comfort and joy every day. Every single day. Look for your comfort and joy my friends.
It’s there. Find it.
Luke 2:10-14 KJV
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.
Walking Home 