It had been a long, hard day at work. At the time I was in my early twenties
but by the end of the day I felt like I was ninety. Times were tough financially
and the only job I could find was in a local lumber mill. That meant long hours
for low pay. My days were spent cutting, carrying, and stacking boards with an
injured back that never stopped hurting. My fingers were covered in band aids
but still split and bled through my torn work gloves. When each day finally
ended it was all I could do to trudge tiredly out to my car.
The drive home was short but felt long. I was so worn out. Each day seemed to
take more out of me and the money I earned was barely enough to feed my family.
When I got to my front door I did my best to wipe the sawdust off my clothes
before going in. Then I wearily hung up my hard hat, took off my cracked, worn,
work boots, and collapsed on the couch. I sat there for a while with my eyes
closed, trying to rest my aching back. Suddenly, I felt our little dog curling
up in a ball next to me. I smiled and petted him for a bit before opening my
eyes again.
When I did my smile widened because my young daughter was standing in front of
me holding her favorite children’s book. She looked at me innocently with her
beautiful blue eyes and asked if I could read her a story. I bent over, helped
her to climb up on my lap, and said, "Sure Sweetie." I felt a warmth and peace
around me as I started to read and fresh energy soon began to fill my body and
spirit. I knew then that everything was going to be alright and I silently
thanked God for His love, for my family, and for my life.
So many of us spend our lives in the pursuit of happiness. Yet, often all you
need to do is take a seat on the couch and watch as love climbs on your lap,
peace curls up by your side, and happiness fills your heart. May you always love
freely and live joyfully as God intended.
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.