Do you remember Charlie Brown’s best friend, Linus? He was that philosophical kid that dragged his security blanket around wherever he went. I used to think he was weird. Then I had kids – and I learned that it’s actually pretty common for little ones to latch onto something special for comfort. In fact, all three of my girls had something like that.
Emily loved her blanket. I remember buying it even before she was born. I couldn’t wait to decorate the nursery. I needed the perfect bedding … just enough pink (in case it was a girl), and a fair amount of blue (if we had a boy). When I found it, I bought the whole set. After all, who could resist the matching lampshade and diaper stacker? Anyway, Emily loved her blankie.
Taylor chose her own special item when she was almost two: a soft baby doll at a gift shop in Wisconsin Dells. She named her “Baby.” Taylor took Baby everywhere – until one tragic day when she lost her. Taylor was heartbroken. We searched for days, but Baby was nowhere to be found. So I did what any pushover mom would do. I called the gift shop, described the doll and had them send me another. Of course by the time Baby #2 arrived, we had found Baby #1. But when I suggested we pack one baby away to keep as a spare, Taylor wouldn’t hear of it. After all, she now had twins. She was horrified at the thought of packing one away.
And then there was Madison. That girl had stacks of stuffed animals, handmade teddy bears from Build-A-Bear, adorable blankets from Pottery Barn, and a number of cuddly-soft dolls. But none of those meager trinkets appealed to Madison. Instead, she chose to sleep with one of my ragged, old t-shirts. Each night she’d bury her face in that shirt and say, “It smells like you, Mama.” Lovely, I thought. I smell like a ratty, stained t-shirt. Madison affectionately called it “Shirty,” and it meant the world to her.
Yep, third kid. I had no decent pictures of Maddie & Shirty, so I took these from a home movie!
It seems silly, doesn’t it? The things kids latch onto for comfort. But I wonder, am I really so different? What do I turn to for comfort?
When I’m stressed, I want a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup milkshake. When I’m bored, I spend too much time on Facebook. When I’m depressed, I shop for the perfect outfit.
There’s nothing wrong with any of that, but there is something better. God promises us an everlasting comfort that’s worth more than anything this world can offer.
“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you …” Isaiah 66:13
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
When I’m stressed, I want a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup milkshake. When I’m bored, I spend too much time on Facebook. When I’m depressed, I shop for the perfect outfit.
There’s nothing wrong with any of that, but there is something better. God promises us an everlasting comfort that’s worth more than anything this world can offer.
“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you …” Isaiah 66:13
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.” Psalms 71:20-21
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:19
From life’s minor annoyances to our darkest moments, God promises to comfort us. My little ones held on tightly to those treasured items they loved. And do you know what? I want to hold onto God like that. As I go about my days, I want Him right beside me. Through good times and bad, I need the comfort of God.
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