What does Comfort mean to me?

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
gives these definitions:

3870. parakaleo; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation, or consolation): beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire. (give) exhort (-tation), entreat, pray.

3874. paraklesis; from 3870; imploration, hortation, solace; comfort, consolation, exhortation, entreaty.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says this about 'comfort':

Paramuthia, primarily a speaking closely to anyone (para-near, muthos-speech), hence denotes consolation, comfort, with a greater degree of tenderness than paraklesis ( calling to one's side for exhortation, consolation, or comfort)

Oh, wow. I really like the word comfort. Doesn't everyone? Who doesn't want to be comforted? We think of hot chocolate, or hot tea when we are sick. A hug when we are sad comes to mind also. A pat on the back, a listening ear, a bandage on an owie, a cool cloth when our fever is high. All these things just ring true as 'comfort'.

But have you ever thought of a word of exhortation as comforting? The bible says it is. What about the prayer of a loved one for your soul or for guidance if you've stepped out of the way? How about when someone entreats you to listen to wisdom or good advice to help you stay in the way? Are these things comforting to you? God says He does all these things for us and He is the God of all comfort. He also says we are to do these for each other also. These are the ways in which we show love.

Certainly, comfort is cozy. "Comfy cozy", mom says as she tucks little one in. Comfort is warm and fuzzy like my twenty year old cotton socks that came from my aunt's sock mill in Alabama. Strong and sturdy, warm and fuzzy, comfy and cozy. Comfort is wonderful and fills our heart to overflowing at times. Sometimes comfort comes when our heart is breaking.

I would love it if you come to Comfort Cottage for solace and tenderness. I hope there will be plenty of that. This world is hard and dark. It grows more so by the day. Everyone needs a place of quiet contemplation. However, I hope that your heart will be comforted by the occasional prayer, exhortation, and entreaty. Count these as comfort too.