Mothers of toddlers know the real struggle of nap-time. My near-three year old will jump up and down on the bed with Olympic-worthy altitude. Any and all spectators (who aren’t well-versed in the art of toddler naps) would assume he was nowhere close to ready for rest. Then, that warm little body will eventually snuggle against mine, and except for the random curious poke to my nose or eye, he falls fast asleep before I sneak out to write to you.
I must have been much the same way—except for the moon jumps. I was a talker, constantly asking questions and just wanting to hear my own voice instead of the quiet that draws me into sleep. My mother invented a cozy game that she called, “Be a Squirrel.” She would softly cover me and my brother up in our favorite quilts and whisper to “Shhhhh, be a squirrel. Time for a squirrel-nap. Your nest is warm and dry. You’re safe from everything, and Mommy loves you. Be a squirrel.”
I’ve tried this technique on JW and he has requested that we alternatively be snuggly dinosaurs, cows and kangaroos throughout the week…. Whatever works, right? Amen.
But it’s gotten me to thinking—comfort—we seek it constantly. Our human nature craves comfort so that we may finally rest.
Comfort…contentment…satisfaction…peace.
I’ve sought comfort in a variety of places. I’ve looked for it in an education, a career, a dress, a house, my tall/dark/handsome man, my children, and in the intangible such as: adoration, affirmation, and acceptance. I’ve even believed that I could find comfort in certain ideals and instincts—like motherly love.
I found buckshot in the concrete items I mentioned nearly as soon as I had acquired them. Holes were shot in that confidence-declaring-dress when I either spilled coffee on it or washed it without looking at the label instructions. Then there was that time the heat went out, and I had to pack up my newborn so he wouldn’t freeze to death. My college and masters educations didn’t provide all the answers to life. The one my soul desires sometimes drives me completely insane (bless his big, ol’ heart). And even in my valiant efforts of maternal selflessness and provision, I can’t rid all the world of the disease, poverty, or destruction that keeps me awake at night.
I believe in this recent election, some individuals on both sides were putting too much stock into one position. We will never find complete comfort in any earthly leader or law— think about it: the office appointment has an expiration date four years from now. I know even Mr. Trump, like us, will not find complete comfort and peace in his successes—and I pray he have many.
C.S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity:
“In religion, as in war and everything else, comfort is the one thing you cannot get by looking for it. If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end: if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth — only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin with and, in the end, despair.”
Lewis is saying we need truth in our lives to possibly attain comfort. Truth is something verified and indisputable, a fact that is unchanging and constant.
As sure as sunrises and rainfalls and foggy mountain mornings, I know that God is real. I know God is real and His son, Jesus, died for the redemption of our sins. How do I know?
I know because the sun will rise tomorrow. (Ecclesiastes 1:5)
I know because I can feel confident in a designer dress or sweatpants. (Proverbs 31:25)
I know because I feel safe. (Psalm 46:1)
I know because my boys have brought much fulfillment into my life. (John 16:21)
I know because when my husband and I are following the Biblical design for marriage (honoring and serving one another), our relationship flourishes. (Ephesians 5:22-33)
I know because of the connection I have with strangers who are fellow-believers. (Philippians 1:7)
I know because my soul is stirred to uncontrollable tears almost every time a congregation raises their voices in worship of our redeeming Father (Psalm 95:1).
I know, because now that I know him, I have peace (Philippians 4:7).
I finally have comfort.
God bless! -Neena
*Featured image is of black birds flocking together this past weekend. Isn’t God’s creation amazing? Let me answer that: Certainly, we are. 🙂
Referenced Verses:
- Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; And hastening to its place it rises there again. Ecclesiastes 1:5 NASB
- She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV
- God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 HCSB
- When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:21 ESV
- I encourage you to check out Ephesians Chapter 5… particularly verses 22-33 if you’re interested in God’s intended marriage design. It’s just a little lengthy to include here!
- It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. Philippians 1:7 HCSB
- Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1 NASB
- And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 HCSB
Well written Neena, I look forward to each of your blogs. God is truly using you.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you reading!
Lovely post! Only One can fill that God-shaped hole in our hearts.
Thank you so much!
I enjoyed reading your post. I am looking forward to more💜
Have a blessed day!
Thank you for reading!