Blissful Gratitude

The Jensens were picking apples off the tree. They wanted to get as many as they could.

“This one’s gross,” yelled young Billy. “It has worms in it.” Billy threw it across the yard. Mother scurried to pick up the apple.

“Now Billy, it may seem gross, but we can cut the worm out. We can’t afford to waste anything.”

“Why not?” asked Sue.

Mother calmly explained, “Sue, things are getting worse. You know how we’ve been trying to save as much money as we can on this farm. Farm prices have dropped again. Daddy’s having a hard time making payments on the farm.”

“I miss the days when we weren’t worried and grouchy all the time,” said Sue. “I miss the days when we were a happy family.”

Just then, a car drove into the driveway of the farm. From a distance, Mother and the children watched a man put a box on their doorstep.

“What’s that, Mommy?” asked Billy.

“I bet it’s another bill needing to be paid,” she sighed.

“Tell that man that we don’t want any,” stammered Sue angrily. Growing up in the Depression was tough.

“Can I go see what it is?” asked Billy.

“Yes,” said Mother.

Billy ran across the yard and peered in the box. “It’s a box of food!” he hollered. Mother smiled and said, “Well, that was so nice. I guess there’s no room for worry or grouchiness today!” Sue smiled and ran across the yard to take a look.