One particular November day, my son Michael and I had taken his old 1976 pick-up to the wooded lot in back of our home to take care of some fallen trees. Our little “forest” was about ¼ mile from our house at the end of a grassy trail.

After cutting up firewood with a chainsaw, and throwing it into the back of the old green and white Chevy, the weariness began to seep its way into my tired old body…with each block of wood. I was grateful to see the sun setting, and the phrase “bone-tired” crept across my mind as I trudged back towards home on foot.

The wind sent the brown and yellow leaves scurrying along the ground around my old sneakers.  With each rhythmic, crunchy footstep, I came closer and closer to the clearing where I could see the outline of our small farmhouse in the distance. As I drew nearer, I could make out the warm glow of the kitchen lights through the window…but it wasn’t until I was just outside the door that I smelled the supper that my wife had prepared for us.

After spending a few hours in the crisp autumn air, that scent of chili was as welcome to me as the warmth of a fireplace on a winter’s night. I had enjoyed working with my son in the woods, but it was good to be home! Upon removing my coat and washing my hands, I gratefully plopped down into a comfy chair with my bowl of home-cooked goodness, and a handful of tortilla chips.

Supper tasted especially good, and upon finishing my last spoonful, a thought crossed my mind: “I have SO MUCH to be thankful for!” Sometimes, it’s the small stuff that hits me just right…like this hot bowl of chili after a hard day’s work, or the smile of a family member who has been looking forward to seeing me walk through the door. I’m always grateful, but every once in a while God reminds me in very simple ways, the blessings He daily gives.

Reminds me of a verse in the Bible: “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:8, ESV).

Michael Temple writes from North Dakota.

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