"Thankfulness" - A winter short story and poem

I trudged through new snow up to my knees,

And said to the sun, “Warm up if you please.

I haven’t the money for warm pants or shoes,

So snow in the forecast is just not good news.

I have cows to milk and chickens to feed,

My hands are cold and I am low on seed.

So, if you would warm up this old place,

It would put a smile on my face.”

I continued to tromp through snow to my knees,

As my ankles and toes began to freeze.

“Oh, darned bitter cold,

This winter season gets rather old.

I’ve got little mouths to feed

My ears are cold and I need to save seed.

You see harvest comes every year,

And I need enough to sow, I fear.”

I came to a halt, with snow to my knees,

I met my destination; a patch of old trees.

“O axe in my hand, I hope you aren’t dull,

These trees are large and heavy to pull.

In my house are many small feet,

So I need this wood for heat.

So I’ll swing and I’ll chop,

Until these oaks drop.”

The stress of this day,

Nearly wore me away.

But as I opened my door,

All my burdens fell to the floor.

I saw my kids and my wife,

And I felt full of new life.

“I love you my dear”

My love said with great cheer.

“I have a family to care for

And my body is sore.

The days are getting short

And yet a farm to support.

My boys are growing

And it is still snowing…”

But, as I sat in my chair to rest,

I thought to myself, “this life is the best.”

“I have a family I love

And a Father above.

To the world I am poor,

But I know I have more

Than those who have money,

But are without a “honey”;

So I am glad for this life

No matter how hard the strife.”

At my bed on my knees,

I felt as full as I pleased.

“Thank you for your grace,

That fills this sweet place.

You know what I need,

And you planted the seed.

You filled me with the Dove,

And taught me how to love.”

In the morning the snow was to my knees from the start,

But something was different, I had warmth in my heart.

I had strength to go on,

And a cause to hold strong.

Never again a reason,

To regret the season,

That the Lord had placed before me.

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