Life is hard and there’s no end to the work we’re called to do. But we’re not machines and our souls need regular times of refreshment as well. Comfort food is caring for our souls in the midst of these hard days.
Of course, there’s food we need simply for the nutritional value it brings. On the other hand, we enjoy comfort food for the delight, pleasure, and relief it brings.
And this is certainly not limited to literal food.
We must regularly feed our souls with comfort and pleasure, particularly during difficult seasons.
This is not to escape or to try to numb ourselves from the hardships we face. Rather, in big and small ways, it’s simply learning to receive the fullness of joy and beauty that is available.
This might be through good food or music or shows that allow us to enjoy the simple pleasures of entertainment. This might also be a night out with our friends, a good book, or making love with our wife.
In short, this is simply eating, drinking, and being merry in whatever shape, form, or fashion the occasion calls for.
And whatever it looks like, it’s not trying to accomplish anything in particular – only opening to receive the goodness and life it offers.
In our busyness to get things done we often don’t give ourselves the time to intentionally enjoy comfort food. It seems like an immature luxury when so many other important matters need our attention.
But when we don’t bring this need into the light, it will often turn into hidden and sinful indulgences elsewhere. In fact, many of our vices are simply our attempts to find needed comfort and joy in unholy ways.
In the end, embrace your need for comfort food – regularly feeding your soul with the joy, pleasure, and beauty it needs to thrive.
Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash
