Heaven on Three Acres

While my website is taking an extended vacation and GoDaddy continues scratching its head — life goes on — and thankfully, so do wonderful friendships.

On Friday, we accepted an invitation from our dear friends, Evie and Jim, whom we met through a Tuesday night house church. It’s one of those special places where people gather for home-cooked meals, heartfelt worship, and powerful testimonies of lives transformed by God’s grace.

After every meal, Evie and I can usually be found at the kitchen sink, tackling dishes, pots, pans, and solving most of the world’s problems through laughter.

Evie and Jim graciosusly invited us to visit their home outside of town on three beautiful acres.

What a delight!

They introduced us to their chickens, squirrels, deer, dog, and cat. It was obvious they weren’t simply living there — they were flourishing there.

As they gave us a tour of their home, every room reflected gratitude, faith, and love. Photos, keepsakes, and reminders of God’s goodness filled their little corner of the world.

Then came my favorite story.

Evie showed us two beautiful Christmas ornaments given to her by her sister. Inside the wired ornaments were colorful balls inside. Years later, her sister asked if they had enjoyed the chocolates. Chocolates? Evie had no idea there were chocolates inside! She had spent years admiring them as decorations!

As we drove home, I couldn’t help but think about what made their home so special.
It wasn’t the acreage.
It wasn’t the animals.
It wasn’t even the beautiful surroundings.
It was contentment.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

Evie and Jim have discovered something many people spend a lifetime pursuing. They have found joy in simple things — God’s creation, meaningful friendships, a peaceful home, and grateful hearts.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

What if we all embraced the little things a bit more?

The flowers.
The birds.
The laughter.
The people God has placed in our lives.

After all, sometimes heaven on earth isn’t found in grand adventures.

Sometimes it’s found on three acres, with chickens, deer, good friends, and a bowl of “chocolates” that nobody realized were chocolates.

Sometimes the richest life isn’t found in having more — it’s found in appreciating what God has already given. Friendship, laughter, creation, contentment, and a grateful heart truly are treasures.