The Back Page
By Sue Ferguson
Comfort is defined in the dictionary as: “1. A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. 2. The easing or alleviation of a person's grief or distress.”
As the cold grey days of January pass by, this word comfort keeps coming to my mind over and over. I think about how lucky we are to have a home with heat and a warm bed to call our own. I love that feeling of being so cozy and content in my own bed. When I feel that way, I almost instantly think of the folks who live out in the elements having no warm place to call home and no cozy bed to call their own. In my very next breath I thank God for the blessings of all of these things that bring us physical comfort. First Baptist Simcoe is now a “Home for the Night” for friends in our community who do not have homes or beds. Comfort in and away from the harsh climate of winter for the night at least, and a warm bed and clean pillow on which to rest their heads. God bless those who are helping to make this happen.
We also experience comfort in the food that we eat. I enjoy making soups this time of year, and Shane and I could eat them every night. There is always a comforting meal at my Mom and Dad's every other Sunday night at family supper too. Mom always has a plethora of meat, potatoes, and warm buns, not to mention many types of savoury casseroles. Again as I sit in the comfort of my parent's home sharing a beautifully prepared meal with our family I am reminded how lucky we are to have this comfort of food and togetherness.
There are folks out there who are starving and alone. Thanks be to God for all of the volunteers from Church Out Serving who help to prepare food for those who have nothing to eat, and friends with which to share their meal.
So many people in our community are helping to provide some comfort where there is no hope of having any.
Finally, I wish to share with you a recent experience that once again reminded me of comfort. I attended a funeral for a family friend named Lois who passed away at the age of 95. As we were sitting in the funeral home, the pastor invited us to join with him as he recited the 23rd Psalm. There were many who knew it, and it was so nice to hear the words spoken by everyone together. The words from verse 4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” In that moment I could feel the comfort of the Lord for all who were in attendance, and especially Lois, who was now experiencing that comfort firsthand being in the arms of the Lord herself. There is no comfort like that which is offered by our Creator. I have recounted that comfort as I felt it while in the waiting room of a Denver hospital. The arms of the Lord wrapped around me as I sat in the rocking chair awaiting what would be my final farewell to my husband. I cannot even begin to convey what that comfort felt like my friends. It is the warm bed in a warm home after a warm meal with warm friends and family all rolled into one. Add as much love as you can fathom, and there you have it. The comfort of our Saviour as I experienced it in one of my darkest hours.
We are so lucky to have a Saviour who offers comfort to us in all the days and experiences of our lives. In the fire and in the flood He is there. I pray you too will experience the comfort of our Lord. Maybe you already have. God Bless.
