What Brings You Comfort?

by Teresa Welborn

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One of my prized possessions is a quilt made by my maternal grandmother. Wrapping the quilt around me as I read or watch television brings me comfort. The weight of the quilt is perfect - not too light and not too heavy. The pattern is pleasing to my eyes. And most of all, the quilt evokes happy memories of time spent with my grandmother.

In this Advent devotional, members of our community along with other artists and writers reflect on this question. As you read each day’s entry, may it be an invitation for you to consider the people, places, and things that bring you comfort. 

Sometimes in life we are challenged to “get outside of our comfort zones.” That’s not all bad and can actually be quite good as we take risks and stretch and grow. But let’s face it, most of us are presented with a number of reasons to feel uncomfortable these days! If you are going through a rough patch in life or worried about the future, I pray you find yourself surrounded by the comfort God longs to provide. The beloved Psalm 23 reads: “Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” As an infant Jesus was cradled in the loving care of parents, neighbors and farm animals. He grew and continued his ministry by comparing God’s care to a mother hen gathering her chicks under her wing.

God does not desire for us comfort for comfort’s sake. Instead, the moments of comfort provide a means by which we are renewed and strengthened so that we can go on acting in kind and loving ways. So may this season fill you with an abundance of joy and comfort that we might continue to be a place of unconditional love and justice in action. 

What a joy to be your pastor!

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

– Psalm 23:4