Comfort

We are creatures of comfort, have our comfort zones, comfort food. We like staying in our familiar spheres, not shaken by circumstance or situation. Unfortunately, that is never the case. To often we find ourselves going to that place, thing or person that gives us comfort when we are in distress. This past week, I turned to an old friend for comfort, a box of cheerios. As I had a couple of low days, I made it through the box in no time flat. I don't suggest making a steady diet of just carbohydrates, but at that time, in that moment, it helped, sort of.


Tonight around 9pm, my phone rang, I answered to hear my nieces voice on the other end. My nephew was upset, and wanted to drive out to their old home to find some solace. As it was late, she encouraged him come to my house, to go upstairs and be alone. He agreed, and soon was knocking at my door. When I opened the door, my heart broke to see his red, weeping eyes. He came in and we hugged. It wasn't just a 'hi auntie', kind of hug, but a 'my heart hurts, auntie' kind of hug. I asked what was wrong, did he want to talk, or just be alone. He response was, 'I don't know.' This beloved young man is one of few words, yet a deep thinker, a tender and creative soul. I didn't know what to do. I asked if he wanted to sit in Uncle Dale's chair. 'Yes'. Whenever he comes over, he goes right to the worn, green chair. He puts his feet up, and melts into the chair. A place of comfort. All I had to offer was a bag of pretzels, since I had already devoured the cheerios. We both had a cup of tea, watched part of a movie, and said nothing. He just needed a familiar place, a thing of comfort, and just be.


There is no moral to the story, no great truth, I just was grateful to be a safe place for him to come, to breathe and regroup. He said he felt better when he left, I was glad.


Scripture tells us that we go through our difficulties in order to know how to comfort others. I understand a broken heart, and though there were few words between he and I, I hope I was able to bring him some kind of comfort. Maybe just the offer of the chair was a good enough start.