seeking happiness...through borscht

every last thing we do in our lives is to reach happiness

what governs our decisions, is for this reason

whether it is food, clothing, projects, friendships, how we worship, etc.

happiness isn't merely a state of emotion, but how we are

that doesn't mean we are able to frolic in the fields of the prairie while eating cake and hugging and
laughing.....

happiness is a state of being, just like peace

when the children are ill and school work is difficult so everyone needs your special attention, it's cleaning day, and an extremely challenging day for the almost two year old because he's cutting teeth, it's so bitter cold outdoors that you don't dare send the ill children outdoors, the only places you go out is the grocery store and Church, your skirts don't seem to be fitting the same lately...a bit snug...and you are cooking Borscht all day in the mix is when you will find happiness

no.......I'm not smiling through all that......and we are not holding hands.....most oftentimes my hands are either holding a school book, Daniel, or some sort of vegetable to chop or dough to knead

just like the Borscht, it keeps getting better and better each day that passes

you see........putting so much effort into the daily duties takes.....well......effort!

there are a ton of steps involved.....the chopping.....the straining.....the sauteing, the etc.etc.....it's a commitment


even though you don't want to chop those beets and thinly slice that garlic, you do it because you know it will be good.....

it will make those around you happy....

it will make you happy and when you sit down to enjoy that bowl of Borscht, there quite possibly could be a moment of happiness as a satisfaction.....a glimpse of happiness....

we all have to go through so much in our lives.....some more than others.....but knowing that you are doing what is good/virtuous will lead to happiness

whatever you do, don't get bogged down with all those 'mother things' we have to do

know that all that disciplining, instruction, talks and prayer are leading them to happiness too........you can see it in their wide eyes, hear it in their silly speech and lisps......feel it in their hugs and kisses......feel it through the inner connectedness you are working at all day.......

tonight, before they go to bed, tell your child 'i love you' ......say the words........give them a hug and even say 'thank you for being such a good son/daughter' (don't forget to tell your husband too...)

none of us have it all figured out.......we are all working at it.........step by step.......bit by bit........to reach that happiness we all crave

and i just happened to find it in Borscht

xo + blessings,
  
p.s. I highly recommend the book, Ready when You Are by Martha Rose Shulman to enjoy many of her comforting one-dish meals