Comfort Food

It's been a tough week. From my stressful brain cramp of Tuesday...to discovering and embracing a new normal in this current school year...to unexpected bills (those pesky vehicle repairs)...to saying goodbye to our beloved dog Gunnar yesterday...my heart has just been sad. I'm mindful this week that Jesus told us flat-out..."In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

In the past day, I've been seeking to comfort our boys as they mourn the loss of their faithful friend, Gunnar. I want to allow them to grieve in silence, while encouraging them to talk when they're ready. I want them to understand that their dad and I are sad, as well, but remind them of the sweet memories and blessings we enjoyed over the years with our sweet pup. I've hugged them and cried with them, laughed with them and prayed with them. Through these painful days, I'm reminded that one of the privileges of motherhood and family is offering comfort for hurting hearts...and pointing their eyes to the Ultimate Comforter. How I pray that our home will consistently be a place of comfort and safety for my family; a place where they know they'll be held up when they're weak. A place where their hearts will be strengthened and bolstered and directed toward the Savior.

Sometimes family and friends gather when hearts are light and celebratory. There are other times when hearts are downcast and bruised. This is one of those weeks when comfort food seems in order. I s'pose comfort food means something different to everyone. A cup of tea...a grilled cheese with tomato soup...apple pie. For our boys, it means pizza and big bowls of ice cream (note to self: make a trip to the store to pick up their favorite flavor)! For me, it often means meat and mashed potatoes. One of my favorite "comfort meals" is meatloaf, which seems to be in order this weekend. I'm sharing one of my favorite recipes below. I hope that whether your heart is heavy or light, you'll enjoy sweet moments around the table with your family, reminding one another that God is good....all the time.

Mushroom & Swiss Meatloaf

1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 c. crushed butter crackers
3/4 c. sliced mushrooms
3/4 c. shredded Swiss Cheese
1/4 c. diced red onion
2 bacon slices

Blend all ingredients except bacon. Turn out and press into loaf pan. Place bacon on top and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

[Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.] 2 Corinthians 1:3-4