The sounds of this old Farmhouse when the wind blows is comforting to me.
It started out low and slow.
Then picked up.
This old farmhouse shook and creaked.
The shutters rattled and banged.
The wind whistled through the windows.
The farm boy looked around and seemed shocked.
It’s as if he were hearing the sounds of this old farmhouse for the first time.
It’s amazing as you watch your children become adults-
How they begin to look differently at things.
My farmer closed up the basement windows.
We turned on the fire.
The kids pulled blankets from the basket and snuggled in.
The sounds of this old farmhouse are comforting to me.
I’ve grown accustomed to them;
Like an old friend.
Creaks when the kids walk in the hallway.
The sound of their doors opening.
Each one unique.
Steps on the back porch letting me know who is coming in.
Each one, a different sound.
I look around this old farmhouse.
The kids are talking of remodeling.
Taking out walls.
New counter tops.
More storage.
I love my kitchen and countertops that tell a story.
Burn marks from a too hot pan.
A corner that keeps coming loose, and the farmer and his gorilla glue.
Counter tops that have prepared a thousand meals or more.
I haven’t ever had fancy.
I haven’t needed or wanted it.
I am content with what I have.
New would be nice. . . sometime.
But, for now it’s functional.
A pot roast is in the crock pot.
Macaroni and cheese simmer on the stove.
A dessert and rolls finish cooking in the oven.
Broccoli salad is keeping cool on the swing.
A rare evening when all the kids are home.
They shout and giggle, argue and bicker.
One runs upstairs.
Another comes in the back door.
The sounds of this old farm house are sounds I will always cherish.
I’m counting my blessings tonight and each moment I can.
There’s always something to be grateful for.
30 Days of Thankfulness
Autumn
I am thankful for:
This drafty, creaky old farmhouse
Dinner with the kids
the farmhouse table
challenging messages at church on line
Worshipping with the family in our living room
Pastors who are willing to preach to an empty church
God who is in control, even when things feel out of control
Sunrises and sunsets
the way God soothes my heart when my thoughts race
coffee
the 17 years we had with our son
Community members who use our farm to cut wood to gift to others
the challenge to step into gratitude no matter what
honesty and integrity
