Tip of My Iceberg

As a baby, Kolly wasn’t the coziest of babies. Snuggling wasn’t something she enjoyed for any extended time, as opposed to her little sister, who is a true cuddle bug.

Kolly was at our home with her mom and little sister when we had our garage cleaned out. We’re not hoarders, but you’d never have known that if you’d seen our garage. It wasn’t just our junk in there; our kids have “stored” things in there for years. And they’ve forgotten about them.

We’ve never had a car in our garage. Junk, yes. A car, no.

Kolly was going through things that had been found and came across a lady bunny, which had been made by my mother-in-law. She loved creating unique toys for her kids and grandkids, and this bunny had been given to our oldest daughter when she was little. When she found it, Kolly owned it. She asked if she could keep it, and I knew better than to tell her no.

Lady Bunny has become her sleeping cozy. The one thing she takes to bed to make her feel relaxed and comfortable.

Who knew a bunny could offer such restful support?

Years ago, we were in Colorado for a summer-long assignment, and John was setting up a little grill for us to use. Our son, who wasn’t quite two, was playing nearby, and he picked up a screwdriver Dad had used. He immediately tripped, poking the tool through his face, by his mouth. He screamed for his dad, who scooped him up, held him close, comforted him, and calmed him enough to drive him to the emergency room for stitches.

He needed his dad; Dad helped him feel safe.

We all need a sense of comfort. Comfort communicates safety, calmness, and rest. Parents are expected to provide that, but it doesn’t always work that way. We struggle to find safety and comfort with people who will see us.

God is our Father who cares deeply for each of us. It’s His heart that we all know His grace and kindness, but He never forces Himself on anyone, offering love freely, and giving grace and mercy fully. He loves with the tenderness of a deeply committed Father, comforting His children. “All praise to God the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3.

But He doesn’t comfort us as an end in itself. Because He loves us as His children, He comforts us so we can extend that comfort to others. “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4.

True comfort comes from someone having the compassion to be present with us in our pain or fear. Someone who will make the time to be in our space and grasp what we’re feeling. They don’t have to agree with our frustration, but the willingness to listen and care is significant.

God does that for us. He remains present. He promises His protection and comfort, and He knows our pain intimately because He gave His Son to bear the burden of the wrongs we’ve committed. God’s love for us seeks to comfort us with the one thing that separates us from Him–our unholiness. Jesus gave His righteousness for us.

Kolly found comfort in Lady Bunny; that soft rabbit gave her a sense of calm and safety.

God brings His comfort with His presence in our lives if we invite Him in. He longs to pour His love out on us, to hold us close in love.

Kind of a holy cuddle.