Joy in Coffee Time, Laughter and Fresh Paint

My family and I recently spent a few days at my husband’s family farm, painting, trimming, and doing general upkeep tasks. It was a relaxed, joyful time even though we were busy with projects.

Life is different at the farm, quiet and peaceful. The schedule revolves around family togetherness, centered at the big farm table in the dining room. The conversations are wide and deep. Everything from religion and politics to family traditions and plans for the future are discussed. The multi-generational dialog and my mother-in-law’s fabulous meals draw us together.

Breakfast is the start of the day in which everyone participates, even tired teenagers. (Funny how teens can arrive at Grandma’s breakfast table early on summer mornings with smiles!) After filling our tummies with eggs, bacon, donuts, fruit, juice, and coffee, we head out to our various chores. BUT before leaving the table, the time for morning coffee is determined. Yes, the family honors the tradition my father-in-law grew up with . . . Coffee Time. When the cowbell rings, we all head to the house for coffee and treats around the table. This is repeated mid-afternoon, a few hours after a huge lunch. It amazes me how hungry a person can get after working hard in fresh air. Each one of us partakes in Grandma’s goodies, even me without a thought of calories or fat. We dig in-eating, talking, laughing. Then we’re back to work, fortified, and energized.

Simple things, like Coffee Time, the whole family laughing together at a silly joke, covering a 100-year-old farmhouse with fresh paint, bring me joy. I relish in the simple life at the farm. The deep faith of my husband’s family, and their dependence of God to provide are comforting. I’m filled with peace when my father-in-law prays over the family and the food at each meal. It’s times like this when my heart overflows with gratitude, tranquility, and joy…all around the big farm table.

Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord.

Psalm 144:15b

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Laughter, #Coffee, Family time. What are the simple things that bring you #joy? Tweet it.