“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Comfort, for me, doesn’t come from fancy self-care routines or expensive habits. It shows up in the little, intentional choices I make to protect peace—especially in a world that pulls in every direction. As a teacher, a husband, a father, and a follower of Christ, I’ve learned to find comfort not just in escape, but in rhythm, in presence, and in faith.
One of the most consistent rhythms in my life is sound. Depending on the day, I’ll put on favorite songs that are guaranteed to get me into a good frame of mind. Other times, when finding a moment to sit down with a book is a challenge, I’ll turn to an audiobook to keep my mind expanding. And some days, I find comfort in the past, listening to Old Time Radio broadcasts on Sirius XM or Spotify. That’s a habit I picked up from my Dad; he always had cassettes in the car of shows like The Life of Riley or The Shadow, and that sound connects me back to him.
That connection to my dad also plays out on the screen. He loved old movies, and so do I. There are evenings when the best form of relaxation is simply sitting on the sofa and watching a classic like Laura, Rear Window, Casablanca, or On the Waterfront. It’s a simple comfort, a nostalgic rhythm that settles the soul.
More than anything, however, comfort comes from being truly present with the people I love. Quality time with my wife, Daryl, is a balm. She’s my favorite person in the world, and no one understands me like she does. One of the greatest joys I have is cooking for her. She’s a decent cook, but she’s always said there’s something attractive about a man who cooks. It’s a simple act of service and love that brings comfort to us both. In fact, as soon as I finish this post, I’m heading to the store to shop for the meals I plan to cook for her this week.
That sense of presence deepens with the next generation. Time with my daughter and my grandson is amazing. We just had lunch with them on our way home from a vacation, and he’s getting to the point where he recognizes me. When he snuggles into my arms, there is almost nothing better in the world than that feeling. It’s a profound, grounding comfort that cuts through any of life’s noise.
And through it all, my faith is at the center. It’s the foundation beneath everything else. If what I am doing doesn’t glorify the Lord, then I shouldn’t be doing it. Prayer is a vital part of my daily life, as is the time spent with our church community. It’s the constant and humbling assurance that we’re not navigating the world’s challenges alone. While I find comfort in my career and in knowing I’m hopefully making a difference in the lives of my students, it’s these other pillars that truly bring me the most comfort in life.
In the end, comfort isn’t something I have to chase. It’s something I build, day by day—through the rhythm of a favorite song, the presence of a shared meal, the warmth of a grandson’s hug, and the unwavering peace that comes from faith.
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt
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