Melanie stood over the stove, stirring a pot of chili, as the front door opened. Jared entered the kitchen, storm clouds brewing in his gaze.

Alarms bells went off in Melanie’s head. “What’s wrong?”

Jared swallowed hard. “It was a rotten day. I got stuck in traffic, so I got there late, had to park far away, and didn’t have an umbrella. I stepped in a giant puddle, so I spent the day with wet socks. Then the computer didn’t save my presentation and I had to rush to redo it right before the meeting. I forgot my lunch, so I had to buy overpriced cafeteria food which was way too salty. Don took credit for my ideas, I had a client yell at me, and the check engine light came on in the car on the way home.”

Melanie stared at him. “Wow. I’m sorry. That does sound like a rotten day. Are you hungry? I made chili.”

Jared nodded. “I am, and it smells amazing, but can you give me thirty minutes? I really want to shower and get out of these wet socks.”

“Of course.”

A half hour later, Melanie had the table set with bowls of chili and thick, crusty bread. Jared entered the room and wrapped her in his arms. He squeezed her tightly and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I am so blessed. Thank you for dinner. It looks and smells great.”

Melanie stared at him. “You’re acting like a completely different man. That must have been a great shower.”

Jared grinned. “It was a good shower, but that’s not what happened to change my attitude. Let’s pray, eat, and I’ll tell you all about it after dinner.”

They moved to the table and Jared prayed, thanking God for all the blessings in his life. Melanie shook her head, amazed at his transformation.

Jared swallowed a spoonful of chili. “Mmm. That’s good.” He lifted his gaze to meet Melanie’s. “So, tell me about your day. How did things go with your new client?”

Melanie shared a few stories from her day. Working from home meant she didn’t have to go out in the rain, but she had some interesting online interactions with clients. As they finished their meal and carried their bowls to the dishwasher, Jared pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her.

“What’ s this?”

Jared leaned on the kitchen counter. “While I was in the shower, I prayed God would help me release all the stress of the day. I didn’t want it to ruin our dinner or take over our evening. That paper is what He told me to do.”

Melanie unfolded the single sheet and began reading through it. “A wonderful wife, a comfortable house that doesn’t leak, hot showers, dry socks…” She glanced up at Jared with raised eyebrows.

Jared grinned at her. “It’s a gratitude list. I filled that entire page, front and back, of all the things I’m grateful for today. And suddenly, all those little problems have melted away.” So I’m all yours tonight. Content, and with no complaints. In fact, I only had one complaint left by the time I’d finished writing the list, and you took care of that.”

Melody snuggled into Jared’s embrace. “Oh, and what was that complaint?”

Jared laughed. “I was hungry.”

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

God, sometimes we simply need a new perspective. Help us remember all the blessings in our lives. No matter what we’re going through, there is always something for which we can be grateful. Thank You for Your faithfulness in giving good gifts to Your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.