Comfort

I am all about comfort. Having been on the plump side all of my life, one of my personal descriptions of myself is that I am "built for comfort...not speed." This is evident by the fact that our 55 pound puppy, Becca, thinks I make a perfect pillow for napping on...as does our old cat, Buster. Thinking back now, I remember being referred to (on a couple of occasions) as a person who makes others around me feel comfortable too...like an old sofa. Funny.
In an online class I took last summer called "Practicing Spirituality During Illness" one of the lessons was about finding a source of comfort. The practice for that day was to recall a place where you were comfortable and to write about it. And then in moments of stress/distress...to close your eyes and picture yourself back there. Breathe deeply and go back to that moment of comfort and peacefulness. Today I will share what I wrote in my journal on that day.

Sources of Comfort
Stretched out on an air mattress, the warm sun on my back, my arms dangling in the cool waters of Lake Merwin and doing absolutely nothing. Laying on my back, fingers interlocked behind my head, watching the clouds drift by on a summer's afternoon. Snuggling down in a warm sleeping bag, under the stars on a cool clear night. Leaning up against a driftwood log, watching the ocean waves. Standing near the base of a waterfall, with the mist spraying my face. Sitting around a campfire with friends late at night, singing and sharing stories. Sleeping under the Christmas tree while it's lights twinkle above me.
These are all places which have given me great comfort...repeatedly over the years. I see now, as I look at them, that although they involve many of my senses...they also, for the most part, require me to be still. I think of my sister's favorite Bible verse, "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalms 46:10)
The person who has given me the most comfort, and continues to do so now...is my husband. He has never asked me to "be more______" or "not be so ______." At night when we turn in, I am comforted by his presence, his willingness to listen if I need to talk, by his support and love. I am blessed.