Did you have a blanket or toy you were attached to when you were a child? I remember the Raggedy Ann doll that my mother made for me. I loved that doll and the comfort it gave me! One summer I took it with me on a trip to my grandparents’ home and was quite concerned until my youngest cousin returned it after carrying it around for a while.
Whether it’s a cozy blanket, special toy, the company of others, or perhaps a special place or person… those sources of comfort stick to our memory, don’t they? Comfort is something we crave from birth, turning toward the source of nourishment and security. I think of newborn Jesus comforted by his mother, wrapped in warm cloths, cradled in her arms, and laid in the security of the manger. I imagine Joseph caring for them both and the light of God’s presence there with them. Can’t you just see that in your mind?!
Think of how Jesus was a source of comfort and healing during his time on earth. Before he was taken back up, Jesus told his disciples that God would send an Advocate or Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to them (John 14:26-27). We are not alone. Then Paul talked about the “God of all comfort”. I love how he went on to say that God “comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Comfort is something that we share with others, whether it be through words, actions, or simple presence and support.
As you cherish your times of comfort or see a child with their comforting “blankie,” be encouraged. May you in turn reach out to others to offer your own comfort. What a better world this would be if we could be more intentional in doing that. I’m so thankful for God, who both challenges and comforts us.
The crunch of autumn leaves beneath my feet reminds me of the changing seasons. Falling leaves swirl around me, carried by the soft wind, twirling in the late afternoon sun. Reds, yellows, oranges, and rusty browns all speak of the shifting seasons. They cling to the trees, that source of sustenance and growth, and then finally release to their next season of fulfillment.
I think of the leaves as a reflection of our own lives. We too grow and change, drawing from God who is our source of strength and grace, and travel through our own seasons and experiences. We are lifted and sent forth to encourage and build up others around us, offering care and a bit of wisdom from past experiences.
I gently swoosh the leaves in my path, as I watch a couple’s dog joyfully bounce through the mounds of newly released leaves. His joy brings a smile to my own face, and a hymn of rejoicing based on Psalm 100 sounds in my mind.
“Oh, be joyful in the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before his presence with a song. Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”
May we be as newly sent forth leaves, rejoicing as the Light shines upon us and as the wind of God’s Spirit lifts us up. Let’s breathe deeply of His presence and step forward with Him by our side, soaking in the peace of a hard day done or lifting words of thanks and song.
• Sometimes we need repaving and make-overs • Life’s storms and seasons can cause much wear • Potholes can develop during rough times • Preparation is important for getting anywhere • A caring hand in times of hardship helps prevent accidents • Travel slowly in adverse conditions • Smoothing the process allows for optimum progress • Look for opportunities for doing good when you’re out and about • We have a common need to move forward • Take much thought when considering your route • Don’t be afraid to explore • Side roads and country routes can lead to less stressful opportunities • Rushing about leaves little room for introspection or service • God travels with us over many types of terrain
• Where there are knots, there is growth • Wisdom grows from our experiences • See the beauty that is drawn from our imperfections • Character is reflected in how we shape our lives • Rugged places can build depth and empathy • Hold on to positive values to avoid holes • We are stronger when we come together • Enjoy the quirky things in life • Build a strong base connection to meet each day • Surround yourself with positive influences • There is beauty in a life well-lived • Stand tall and support and learn from each other • Sink yourself deeply in God’s Word • God is our secure connection to life and being
– from “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
I loved to go camping with my family when I was a girl and always looked forward to the campfire every evening. We would gather around the warm soft light of the fire and talk, perhaps roast some marshmallows or hotdogs, or make “S’mores”. As the fire died down, we could watch the stars or track the moon in the night sky. Summer was a favorite time for camping, enjoying the sunlit meadows or resting in the shade watching the flickering beams of light shining through tree branches.
Have you ever thought about our relationship with the light around us… light that we all encounter in some form each day? There is something about light in whatever form… firelight, sunlight, moonlight, candlelight, and even artificial light that draws our attention. Sunlight helps our body make vitamin D, regulates our immune system, can ward off anxiety and depression, and encourages well-being and happiness. Moonlight regulates our sleep cycle and affects the reproductive systems of people, animals, and plants. Firelight imparts a sense of safety, as well as warmth and provision, and candlelight lends meaning or calm to occasions. With electricity, there came a means to extend our activity into the night hours and within spaces that have little or no natural light.
I was coming out of the grocery store recently and saw a double rainbow briefly shining to the east as a late evening shower caught the falling droplets just right. To the west, the setting sun cast brilliant color through the clouds. How beautiful!
Think of all the metaphors or comparisons we use about light and the lack of light. Light is life. It speaks of truth, knowledge, understanding, things that are pure. Light reveals things, perhaps maybe that’s why those who are dishonest, are doing wrong, or who intend harm to others so hate light, and those who represent the qualities of light.
This makes me think of the Bible’s frequent use of “light” as an illustration. God created light and compares Himself to light. The Pharaoh of Egypt took great notice when the plague of darkness spread over Egypt and the book of John compares Jesus and God to light:
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome (or understood) it. John 1:4-5
Wow! That is so encouraging! There is much that I do not understand and sometimes life’s challenges seem impossible to overcome. Do we step out? Do we see God and recognize His light, especially when our path seems dark?
Light speaks of faith and trust. It reveals to us our Creator God, bringing us comfort and guiding us to who He is. Whether we are resting in the lighted comfort of our homes, before the soft glow of a campfire… or struggling in a dark place, may we draw closer to that greatest Light. I’m so glad that He’s our source of life and fills that essential need in all of us.
The Still Small Voice 