Finding Your Comfort

Kori with her WubbaNub Doggy Paci in hand. (One of my favorite pics!)

When we took pictures of our daughter Kori, when she was an infant, it was very rare you would see her alone. Her best friend, companion, and comfort was always nearby…the “Paci!” When she was born, my Mommy bought a WubbaNub Soothie Pacifier from the hospital gift shop. We did try giving Kori a NUK pacifier but she just didn’t like it. Kori quickly became attached to her all-in-one plush friend attached to her favorite "Soothie" pacifier.

My husband (Brian) and I soon bonded with this “life saver” too because it brought Kori so much comfort when she was cranky or sleepy. It gave us the luxury of a few more hours of sleep and a couple of date nights at the movies!

Once Kori transitioned from infant phase to toddler phase Brian and I were very concerned about how to wean her off of the Paci. This was her BFF! She didn’t have a secondary means of comfort. Then one day, Kori grew teeth…a lot of them. Yet, she still desired her Paci! At her first dental appointment, they suggested we wean her off quickly to prevent her teeth from conforming to the pacifier. They also suggested clipping the tip or try giving her a NUK pacifier instead.

"Will you be our friend?"

I don’t know about you, but being first time parents there were moments when we found ourselves afraid of this 18lb (then) human being! We didn’t want to disrupt her little life, but we knew it would be best for her. We slowly weaned her off until…”CLIP!” We cut off the tip! Yay to us! Although we cut the tip off it never changed her attachment to find comfort in her old pal.

Kori is currently 2 1/2 years old (all pics shown: age ranging from 6 months-11 months). She still walks around and sleeps with her clipped off Paci. Sometimes she’ll place it in her mouth or place the pacifier part under her her chin as the little animal dangles from her neck. It’s the cutest thing ever!

As I observe her daily with her little friend/Paci and reflecting back on her infant stage, this got me to thinking…what is my comfort? As an adult woman who sometimes feel the pressures of life, the demands of my day, sometimes marital disagreements, deadlines to beat, wife and mommy duties, preparation for interviews and speaking engagements, combating my insecurities...who do I turn to when I need comfort? Like Kori, I've often felt tired, cranky, and down right frustrated when I didn't get my way! God knows I love my husband but I have discovered, even in marriage, there are some things even Brian cannot fix. Some of those inward voids are reserved for a special kind of comfort.

"I love shoes like Mommy!" (Froggy Paci in the background)

When I experience moments like this, I believe it is God’s way of reminding me He has created something in all of us designated just for Him. It’s a reminder to not allow people or things to become our “god” because here’s the truth: We don’t always seek God’s comfort when we’re in discomfort. We often seek the help from the “NUK” pacifier, when we should be reaching out for a “Soothie.”

Why do we often seek comfort in substitutes when we have what is REAL just a prayer away? Do we think God isn’t able to comfort our soul or give us wisdom in all of our responsibilities? God is more than able and remember He has entrusted you with the responsibilities at hand. Until we learn to embrace our True Comfort and reject any other means of secondary comfort we will not experience internal peace.

Here are a couple of scriptures I want to share I've also found comforting in my personal moments of discontent:

Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

John 16:33: "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world."

Romans 8:28: "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called

according to His purpose"

"Come close BFF!"

When I reflect back on my daughter’s pictures, I’ve captured her most peaceful moments because she was next to her comforting friend she continues to call her "Paci." Even as an infant, Kori soon recognized when her Paci was out of sight and her entire countenance would change to one of discontent. When found, the entire household can experience peace again.

This often reminds me, as a good and grown woman, to also take notice when I put too much emphasis on my feelings rather than my faith; when I try to rush God's timing; or when I react impatiently towards others. It's a great indicator that God is not in sight. I must find a way to reconnect so I put my mind at ease and usher peace within and into my surroundings.

I’ve learned quickly, the joys of being a parent are often found in the hidden treasures or lessons paralleled with the relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. Kori’s bond and moments with her Paci has consistently reminded me to always keep God near, seek Him out as the Source of Strength, and embrace Him as my BFF too. By doing this God never turns me away disappointed. In fact, He embraces me with open arms and fills me with His love. It's exactly what I need! In Christ, I find my comfort. In Him, I find my peace. Thank you Kori for always ministering to Mommy's heart. You are truly my "Joi" (her middle name)!

Now, I challenge you to answer this question honestly.

Where do you find comfort?

Get ready to embrace “A NEW ME: Transparently, Abundantly.”

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