I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.—Ecclesiastes 3:12 (NIV)

I call my mother a few times each week to check in with her. Mom lives in an assisted living community. Our conversations always start the same way. “Hi, Mom. How are you doing?” But one day, her reply caught me off guard. 

Instead of answering, “I’m doing just fine,” Mom said, “I’m happy as a hot dog!” We both erupted with laughter. “I have my health. I have a nice, clean place to live and good food to eat,” she said. “What more could I ask for? Honey, I’m so wonderfully blessed.” 

A good hot dog certainly makes me happy, so Mom’s giddy, unconventional reply made perfect sense to me. My octogenarian mother recognizes the blessings in her life, both large and small. Like the writer of Ecclesiastes, she’s wise in not taking life’s simple pleasures for granted—health, shelter, and food, as well as the precious memories of her life as a wife, mother, and godly servant. Mom also knows that there’s joy and satisfaction in knowing and following Jesus. 

I often pray with Mom before we end our phone chats. I thank Jesus for her life and ask that He continues to bless and protect her. And I pray that I, too, will continue giving thanks to Jesus and be satisfied with my life as I age—as happy as a hot dog, just like Mom. 

Faith Step: Make a list of what simple pleasures and spiritual blessings make you happy.