I arrived at my word when I took an online quiz to help you choose a word. I thought comfort seemed terribly self indulgent, even though I definitely need comfort at this season in my life. And so I came up with the idea of extending comfort to others as a way to reach beyond seeking comfort for myself. When I went in search of some ideas online, "stepping out of one's comfort zone" popped up. My first response was, "Oh, no. I'm not going there." That's too far outside my circle of comfort.
My journey
with comfort may take me in new directions, but I'm currently choosing to focus
on comfort through the lens of these phrases. I've sorted the quotes and scripture accordingly.
Snuggle into comfort.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." - Jane Austen (This might have felt true before the pandemic, but I'm not so sure it rings true anymore.)
"Cats are connoisseurs of comfort." - James Herriot
"Our greatest comfort in sorrow is to know that God is in control."
"Snuggle in God's arms when you are hurting, when you feel lonely, when you feel left out. Let Him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of His all sufficient power and love." - Kay Arthur
"Yea, thou 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." - Psalm 23:4
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:18
Reach out to comfort.
"To be with old friends is very warming and comforting."
"Friendship is the comfort that comes from knowing that even when you feel all alone, you aren't." - Anonymous
"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand." - Anonymous
"God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters." - John Henry Jowett
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4
Step out of my comfort zone.
"Be comfortable with being outside your comfort zone. That's the only way to grow."
"All progress takes place outside the comfort zone."
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."
"Outside of the comfort zone is where the magic happens."
I've found that setting up regular checkpoints is a great way to maintain focus on my word throughout the year. I'm committing to write a comfort post in April, August, and December. I look forward to reading your One Little Word posts.
Ramona: Thank you for this post.Your word and quotes are very interesting and I will think on them and look forward to further posts. We all need comforting. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteLove all the facets of comfort you have collated here. Your post is a comfort in itself, Ramona. Have not thought about reaching out to comfort but that makes perfect sense - as does being comforted through comforting others. I am remembering again how we are to be vessels of the Holy Spirit - the Comforter. A word, a post, a focus so powerful in its quiet, present, loving strength. So closely tied to healing.
ReplyDeleteoh do I love this today...Cats are connoisseurs of comfort." - James Herriot Dave got me a kitten who I named Sonny after Dave's dad who had just passed away... it was prophetic that I would need this kitty as I am caring for my 95 year old dad all year. Maybe I should rename her COMFORT in your honor. As always thanks for posting, Ramona
ReplyDeleteThere's a quiz to help to choose a word? The cat quote is my favourite. I think cats have a good life philosophy. I think that comfort is a vital part of well-being.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice! We all need comfort these days!
ReplyDeleteI love all these quotes about your OLW! I need to do this to help me think through mine. I so enjoyed reading this. I love the Austen quote at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great word, Ramona. And I love how you can use it not just for yourself, but to comfort others.
ReplyDeleteI love how you link your word to three phrases. May 2021 bring you comfort AND help you reach beyond it!
ReplyDeleteRamona, this is odd. I read your post last week and thought I sent off my response. Here it goes again. This scripture verse brings such comfot: "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:18. Thank you. I like how you crafted your post. May comfort bring you peace this year.
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