Comfort Food

There is something about the casseroles and church or family suppers of our youth. There are just some foods that always provide a sense of warmth and home, no matter where we are. We tend to crave these foods when life get bleak, or we get isolated, or our families are at a distance because of miles or misunderstandings. The list of comfort foods is as unique as the individuals who crave them. To some, it's a grilled cheese sandwich, others it's meatloaf or maybe moose stew and to some it's white gravy and biscuits. The comfort foods most commonly named often include a hefty dose of calories and carbohydrates. Comfort varies because of culture and circumstances, income and rearing. Maybe it's the change of seasons, or recent upheaval in life, but the need for comfort comes to all of us. And whatever the food, and for whatever the reason, we all know when we crave comfort and what we want when the crave comes.

Jesus says, "I am the bread of life" to a world craving comfort and seeking to be filled. We are often tempted to fill our bellies with comfort food when what we seek is the secure comfort of God. Our bodies ache, and we crave healing, but often we miss the comfort and healing offered. We are still hungry and aching.

Today, I remember all of those who are hungry and aching to be filled. So many people wander the streets with the crave for comfort and seek it in things that are temporary and fluffy. That's all they know and all they can find. May we all have the courage to offer love and care to those who crave comfort and community. May we open our arms to those whose comfort and belonging have been taken away by distance and disagreement. There is no limit to God's love and there should be no limit to our offering it. Our Comforter draws near as we draw others in and feed them. The body craves what the soul needs.