Gratitude

As this week began, I said I would spend my moments of silence working through a few questions. I spent the last 2 days working through the 'What is God doing in my life?' question, which lead to some significant self realizations. Today, I want to begin to explore a couple of the other questions.

What are you grateful for? What challenges do you face? What is the gratitude that comes from the challenge?

Gratitude, in my experience, is very often only found in hindsight, especially when you are in the midst of a challenge. The day my stepdad died, I was grieving and sad, sadder than I had ever been at that point, but not grateful, definitely not! The day I lost my house in foreclosure, I was not especially 'grateful.' The day my car broke down, while I was 8 months pregnant and the prognosis was not good, I don't remember turning my eyes to heaven in thanks, it was more like, 'really, WHY?!' How about all the days my eldest son tried all of my patience, in every way he could think of, doing EXACTLY what he shouldn't? Nope not remembering gratitude. Or recently the day I got laid off, I can promise you, I was not thinking, thank you. I don't remember feeling especially grateful about any of it. However, all of these trials and so many more turned out as blessings.

If my stepdad hadn't died, I wouldn't have met my husband. If I had not lost my house, I would not be Catholic. If my car had not broken down, I would not known all the ways God shows his love. If my son had not challenged me all those days, I wouldn't be able to do any of the work I am doing now. If I had not lost my job, I would not have had the courage to begin. All of it was preparation for something to come, something I couldn't yet see. All of those stories are beautiful too, I'll find a way to share them later, because the lessons within them were vital to my growth.

He is the BIG thing I have learned, though each of these, God was with me silently helping me to bear the burden, and healing me along the way, so that when I turned back I'd see something besides the misery. It used to take me much longer to look back and be grateful. I've heard it said though, practice makes perfect. So I keep looking back and I have found the silver lining every single time.

Remember this from Oliver Twist? Even this meager terrible gruel will do me good.

Oliver Twist - "Please sir, can I have some more?"

I am working towards being able to see the possibilities WHILE standing in the muck. Quite simply, I have learned to TRUST IN HIM. Gratitude: it has a healing power all its own. All will be well.

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This is one of my favorite soups! It's easy and the secret is in the garnishes!

Chicken Tortilla

1 Onion diced

2 cloves garlic

Olive oil

Salt, pepper and cumin

8 Cups chicken broth

1 large can enchilada sauce (i prefer mild because of the little ones)

16 oz salsa (mine is also mild)

1 can of corn

1 bag of fire roasted corn (not pictured)

1 Rotisserie Chicken (you can cook your own but i like the whole chicken and it's easy)

The Garnish

Tortilla strips (best to cut corn tortillas and fry your own but you can buy a bag of chips)

Sour Cream

Jack Cheese shredded

Cilantro

Lime

Avocado

Sauté the onions in the olive oil until translucent, then add the garlic and spices and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add the broth, enchilada sauce salsa and corn. Stir once then shred and add the chicken. Meanwhile fry up the tortillas in a frying pan. (I use and entire package and cut into strips then cut the strips in half once so they are not too long) When the soup is hot it is done. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired (my kids love to add all their own garnishes and always add more tortilla strips throughout dinner, that's why I use a whole package.) I also squeeze lime and salt on the strips after they cook. Truly a family favorite!