What Brings You Comfort?

For me it’s the simple things in life. Curling up with a cup of warm tea and listening to the rain falling down as I snuggle under a soft blanket. Holding Hubby’s hand as we watch a romantic Holiday Movie together. Hearing him whisper “I love you” during Mass instead of the traditional “Peace be with you.” These bring both comfort and joy.

I believe the greatest comfort comes from a deep appreciation for life and the blessings God bestows through His immeasurable graces and unconditional love. For me those are the things that bring a lasting sense of peace. You don’t have to be rich or live in a big house to feel His love all around you. Plant a garden, watch the rains of spring nurturer it, knowing that He is the architect of the falling rain. Listen to the birds singing His praises as they greet the golden lights of a new day of His creation. Or the cries of a new life coming into a world of possibilities.

To love and to be loved, that is where comfort can be found. Love comes with a price. Before we can truly love others, first we must come to know ourselves. Then we must be willing to open up and allow others to know us as He knows us. And with that depth of exposure comes pain, loss, and sorrow. It’s the price we pay for loving others. Sadness and loss only comes when we care enough to love and be loved fully, completely, unconditionally. The longer you live and the more you love, the greater the loss. Yet loving brings comfort in our darkest hour. Pain does not exist without love. Love does not exist without sacrifice of self. To love one another is His greatest commandment. When you love unconditionally, investing completely, holding nothing back, the joy it brings knows no bounds. What brings me comfort? Loving with all of my heart.

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Simple Cheese Ravioli in a Tomato Cream Sauce
Ravioli
14 oz frozen Cheese-Filled Ravioli

Bring a pot of salted water to a full boil. Cook ravioli according to package directions, about 4 minutes. Remove from water using a slotted spoon. Drain ravioli on paper towels to absorb the excess water. Keep warm.

Tomato Cream Sauce
1 (24 oz) jar Tomato Pasta Sauce
1/2 cup Heavy Cream

In a saucepan, heat pasta sauce. When bubbling, add cream. Reduce heat to low and simmer until heated through.

Finishing Touches
1 firm Roma Tomato
Handful Parsley
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

Seed and dice tomato. Snip parsley, set aside.

Arrange Ravioli in a serving dish. Smother with tomato-cream sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped tomatoes and a sprinkling of parsley. Serve with warm bread and simple salad.

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The Lord is my light and my salvation.