Make Yourself Comfortable

Have you ever been in someone’s house or been waiting for a doctor’s appointment, when they said, “Make yourself comfortable”? As parents, it’s easy to see our role as one in which we strive to make our kids comfortable. We want life to be easy for them—for them to face as few obstacles as possible.

The word comfortable, as we use it today, wasn’t introduced until 1770. The origin of the word comes from the Latin word confortāre, which means “to strengthen greatly, or to give moral support.” Somehow, over the years the meaning has changed from this idea of being supported and strengthened, to being “without concern”. At its root, someone who is comfortable should feel supported and bolstered; someone who is provided comfort when in a time of need. Today though, it just means we’re at ease: without any cares and have everything we desire.

I recently came across this quote from Charles Spurgeon: “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”

Often, God uses trials (or being uncomfortable), as a catalyst for growth. I think of Moses, whom God put in a position of leadership when he clearly felt uncomfortable (Exodus 4:10), or of David who spent years fleeing Saul, providing him opportunities to persevere and rely on the Lord later in life. I think of Esther, who could have said no, but instead was willing to stretch herself so that God could use her to save His people. Throughout Scripture and history, we see example after example of individuals who weren’t comfortable but were used by God in their moments of discomfort for His glory and their good.

I want my daughters to be safe. I want them to be secure and to know that they are loved. But I don’t necessarily want them to be comfortable. My job as their mom isn’t to put them at ease and remove all the obstacles that may cross their path. My job is to strengthen them greatly, to provide them with moral support, and to help them perceive what God has in store for them through the hardships they will encounter. I want them to learn to kiss the waves that throw them toward their heavenly Father.