Comfort

As everyone finishes their Thanksgiving meals, stuffing themselves with all sorts of yummies, watching games and parades, visiting and fighting with family (yeah we all do it),  I really start thinking about comfort.  You know that shiny happy feeling you get when everything just feels good.  (Yes, that is before you over stuff yourself).

This is the time of year when "comfort" comes most to mind.  This is when all the snuggly blankets, fleece pajamas and fuzzy slippers show up in the ads at WalMart and Target.  People, probably not in San Antonio, begin to build fires in the fire place, drink hot chocolate and get out the cozy winter coats.

So this got me thinking on this Thanksgiving day.  What are the most comforting and warm, fuzzy feelings in my world.  In the morning, Cade comes and joins us in bed.  "Mommy, can we snuggle?"  There is not a more comforting feeling in the world.  When Jody surprises me with something, anything just because.... that is very comforting.

Then, warm, snuggly soft yarn.  My favorite will always be Malabrigo.  It slides off needles like butter and is a joy to knit.  More comforting though is to be able to create gifts for family and friends that come from the heart.  Thoughts and prayers go into each stitch off the needles -- more than they could ever know.  Being able to make things for people, versus going to thousands of stores looking for the perfect gift (remember, I don't like to shop) just is very comforting.

The tastes and smells of the holiday season.  Starting at Halloween really -- I love the smells of candied apples, all things pumpkin, apple cider.  Thanksgiving comes with turkey and cranberries.  Both of these are favorites.  Then comes Christmas.  Spices and smells of Christmas just make one warm and fuzzy inside.

So, why do all of these things create comfort for me?  Many of the things that we find comforting in life are because of memories.  It is comforting to remember things in the past that are sparked from a smell or a feeling.  Many comforting things help us to feel the love and warmth from another.  Also, we can spread that love around -- very comfortable.

May all of my loved ones find comfort and peace in this world around them.

AMEN