​Gifted and Grateful

This has been an unusual week, with much for which to be grateful.  However, my gratitude list, in itself, might strike some as unusual.
 
Last Thursday, I was privileged to join two others of our Sisters on a trip to Mundelein, IL for the Institute on Religious Life’s annual meeting, a weekend of sessions to be enriched in our faith and vocation while meeting other religious from around the country.  It truly was a time away for which I was grateful.  The last time I had attended these sessions was as a postulant back in 2005, the weekend that Pope St. John Paul II died!
 
It was a lovely time, except for the fact that somewhere, along the journey, I managed to contract Strep throat.  I got suddenly sick on Sunday.
 
I was kind of in denial about the whole situation until last night.  My lack of energy was Improving and I thought I’d be on the mend, but, then, I woke up with terrible pain in my throat that told me that all was not well.  
 
“Maybe, I do have Strep,” I acknowledged.  
 
Early afternoon, I got into urgent care, and didn’t have to wait long.  After examining my throat, the doctor remarked something to the effect of: “I can run a culture if you want, but I’m quite sure it’s Strep.”  I needed no reassurance, and gratefully accepted a prescription for antibiotics.  
 
I was so grateful for a painless visit, quick attention, and for not even needed to get gagged!  
 
During these days since I’ve been back, I’ve had another cause of gratitude: In our convent here, my room is just down the hall from our chapel, where Jesus stays in our little tabernacle.  I find immense joy and consolation in the knowledge that He is so close.  
 
Even when I’m resting in bed, it is so consoling to remember His nearness, physically.  I am grateful.  
 
Having been away, and not in as close of proximity to Our Lord’s Eucharistic presence, tends to renew and increase my gratitude for this immense gift.  
 
I know that I daily receive countless blessings of which I am not even aware.  
 
I need to continue to remember to say “thank you” to Our Lord for His goodness to me.  

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