Yesterday, Tracie wrote about staying warm. I was lying on three 22" x 14" ice packs while I read it. They are supposed to give me comfort--and I'm being compliant. But the real comfort came from the heating pad on my front and the oh-so-soft cashmere covering me from chin to toes. And the joy? From reading the words of a friend.Springboarding from the Christmas Carol and wanting God to rest all of us Merry (or is that Weary?) gentlewomen/gentlemen.....
I started thinking of what give me comfort and joy.
Here's a short list:
Faith comes first. That is the bedrock---unshakeable in the midst of life's ever-shifting sand-- brings peace.
Chris lacing his hand with mine in the middle of the night.
Hugs and phone calls from my kids, my mom, and my friends.
The aroma of homemade soup filling the house.
A wet nose and the brush of soft, white fur from Rocky or Dottie.
The sight of a pat of butter melting over mashed potatoes in an earthenware bowl
The taste of rich, dark chocolate.
Listening to Casting Crowns as I sit at the computer.
It strikes me how simple and basic and cheap those things are. I don't care if I ever drive a brand-new sportscar. I'll live a happy life if I never eat thousand-dollars-an-ounce caviar. Given the choice between keeping a battered quilt Grandma made or trading it for a sexy pair of red-soled Louboutin heels, there's no contest. The quilt gives me comfort and joy. (Now that I think of it, the heels would probably give me another broken knee!)
Angels sang of comfort and joy at Christ's birth.
In His presence, we find comfort and joy.
In His presence, we find comfort and joy.
Because of that, every single day is Christmas.
So pull up a chair and share my cashmere throw or quilt. Have a bowl of soup or a piece of chocolate, and share with us all: What brings you comfort and joy?
Cathy
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteLove your list of things that give you comfort. Your reference to your cashmere blanket reminded me of my obsession with fleece blankets. I have eight in various sizes, and during the winter use them as sheets as well as blankets. Snuggling down between those two layers of fleece at night gives me comfort.
Of course, there's always the love of family and friends. But my greatest comfort comes from knowing I am loved by our heavenly Father, and spending time with Him through prayer and Bible study
What a great list of blessings you recounted...reminds me of the White Christmas song, "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep.)" I'm thankful for my church, God's provision and by God's grace, the power of Christ in me to persevere in various areas right now.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhhhh, yes!!! Those ultra-soft, plush fleece I love them. Just like those wonderfully soft, fuzzy spa socks. The cool, sleek feel or rich satin. The velvety softness of a baby's cheek. (Can you tell I'm tactile?)
ReplyDeleteThe worship music in church today was of incredible comfort, too. It just hit some very tender places in my heart and soul. Because of my health problems, sitting through a church serice hasn't been possible for a long time. What a joy it was to go to the Lord's house today!
Cathy