I’m in the mood for a big home makeover—you know, the kind of project that finally gets the basement storeroom cleaned, organized and useful again. But before I can tackle that, I have a handful of ongoing projects that need attention. As I reviewed them today, I realized these tasks aren’t just chores; each one is a reminder of blessings in my life. Instead of focusing only on what I need to do, I want to pause and be thankful.
1. Painting…
My Etsy shop had been out of blue bird signs for a few weeks, so yesterday I spent time painting and restocking. I finished seven signs, and this morning a third order came in. I’m genuinely grateful that people choose to buy my handmade pieces—thank you to everyone who supports this small creative business. That quick sale of a color combination reminded me how encouraging it is when a design resonates with someone else. I plan to make more variations and continue experimenting with colors and finishes to keep the shop fresh and appealing to customers looking for handmade home decor.
2. Planting…
Spring sales have started in the garden centers, and little starter plants are appearing everywhere. I picked up a few flats while they were inexpensive, and now my next step is to transplant them into planters and move them into the greenhouse so they can perk up for a few weeks. Working with plants is one of those grounding, practical pleasures—it combines simple tasks with visible progress, and watching new growth gives a steady sense of reward.
Every time I arrange flowers or plant color into the landscape, I remember something a man once told us after working in places where people live in extreme poverty: in those places you rarely see a pretty garden or a colorful flower. He said, “Where there is no hope, there is no beauty.” That observation has stayed with me. Beauty and color can lift spirits, even in small ways, so I try to be thankful for the opportunity to add a little brightness to my own corner of the world.
3. Pants… {Tee hee! I wanted to keep the “P” alliteration going—“Laundry” just didn’t fit the theme.}
Yes, laundry—mundane, routine, but oddly satisfying when it’s done. I enjoy the few minutes of peace when the laundry is caught up. More importantly, doing laundry makes me grateful for the family whose clothes I’m washing. I’d be a lot lonelier without them. I’m also thankful for a dependable washer and dryer that keep our clothes clean and smelling fresh—something I haven’t always taken for granted.
4. Produce…
I’m trying out new, healthy recipes this week and experimenting with produce I don’t usually cook with. I picked up colorful vegetables at the market, including eggplant—something I haven’t eaten much before. The fresh colors alone are pleasing, and whether or not a dish becomes a new favorite, it’s a joy to prepare and share nutritious food.
Fresh, colorful food is a daily blessing I sometimes take for granted. If the new recipes turn out well, I’ll share them; if they don’t, they’ll still be part of the learning process in the kitchen. Either way, the act of trying new ingredients and preparing meals is something I appreciate.
These small projects—painting signs, planting seedlings, doing laundry, and experimenting with produce—are all part of the everyday rhythm that shapes a home. They also serve as reminders to be thankful for the tools, materials, and people that make these tasks meaningful. Whether it’s a sale in a small shop, a tray of new plants, the hum of a washer, or a colorful selection of vegetables, each of these moments points to a larger sense of abundance and care.
It’s lunchtime now, and those vegetables are waiting to be prepped. I hope your day includes small projects that bring satisfaction and moments that invite gratitude. May your home and your hands be busy in good ways, and may you recognize and appreciate the many blessings that surround you.
