comfort food

There is food that makes me feel good.  Pot roast and spaghetti in the wintertime.  Salads, soup.  My steamy cup of coffee each morning.  Fresh peaches in August.  Cherries rinsed cool and straight from the colander in the sink.

Some days have that fragile feel to them.  I'm off kilter.  Balanced wrong.  Yesterday I felt I was "tilting at windmills".

My head was preoccupied with Dave, Jim's dad.  My heart was aching for my Jim.

I actually found myself sitting on the couch staring off into nothing thinking about, well...nothing.  Paralyzed in a way.  Or paused.

Comfort.

A ten minute nap helped.
A prayer in the car suddenly broke through my fog.
The kids close by made me feel better.

And today?  Today we have puttered.  My comfort food.

We've been home today, and it has been a day of listening to the littles laughing up in Luke's room.  When I go to investigate they are looking at a photo book and giggling up a storm about nothing.   I sewed shut three pillows that have been sitting pinned on the couch for ages.  Sitting with Jeb just talking about, well, nothing of import, while he ate his snack did me good.  I so wanted to just grab him and hug hard.  Vacuuming was cathartic.  I hung two frames I've been wanting to get up for ages.  One is a print of  Philippians 4:8.  It made me feel good.

Tonight my balm?  Running home.

Home to my mom and dad.

And I am going to hug them hard.  And sit by them with my shoulder touching theirs.  And most likely try not to cry because I love them so much.

I'm a bit like that today.  And it actually is rather sweet to feel.  Sometimes that vulnerable feeling brings with it a heightened gratitude and consolation.

The kids are so excited.  I can hardly wait.

So our puttering has been restful and relaxing.  The 115 degree weather made it easy to keep the doors shut and ourselves inside.  I see why everyone in the south has a pool.  What else would you do for three months?!

My true comfort has been gentle and upholding balm from the true Comforter.  And from Him the comfort has been sweet.  And needed.

Please pray for Jim's dad, Dave, if the Lord brings him to mind.  He is still in hospital and things are sounding rather critical.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV