I have regular inspections on my condo’s heating and cooling system.

After my recent inspection, I learned that my whole-house humidifier did not work and hasn’t for a long time.

Not having a functioning humidifier was the final straw. I was grappling with changing out my nineteen year-old unit for a while, but, In these uncertain times, I’m not up for major purchases if I can help it.

Where should I start?

I posted a request for recommendations on an online neighborhood forum.

I had three, well-reviewed local companies look at my situation. I asked a lot of questions.  Each time I talked to someone, I felt I was becoming a more discriminating purchaser.

I chose the bid that included the technology I was looking for, provided financial flexibility in terms of a no-interest credit card, and presented me with a written quote using common language. We set up installation for December 1^st.

Tuesday evening, as I was resting in my bedroom, nursing a monster headache, I concluded that I felt cold. I considered that I had not heard the very loud whoosh and hum of my furnace motor turning on in a while.

I examined the thermostat. No squarish digital numbers filled the display. My furnace decided to end its life as I was in queue for it to be replaced.

I texted my salesperson, asking for my installation to get moved up. Being a holiday weekend, I didn’t expect much, but I was able to get the all-day job moved up to Wednesday. Thank you, God, right?

On Thanksgiving, after watching some streaming events on my computer and a few minutes of Macy’s Parade, I stepped into the shower. The water was cold.

After, a very short shower, I looked at the water heater. No little green light appeared at the bottom. Apparently, the installers never turned the water heater back on after the furnace job was completed.

On Friday, I was able to get the contractor to send out a tech who re-lit the pilot for the water heater. Probably not a complicated job but nothing I wanted to do myself. Another Thanksgiving miracle, right, that I could get service here so quickly?

I asked for his opinion about the air flow. (We didn’t have time to check out all nine vents following the installation.) I still detected very little warm air coming out the vents at the far ends of my condo.

Should I look into a duct cleaning, or was it just a situation of needing to turn up the thermostat? He shared his thoughts on duct-cleaning without pushing a solution; a welcome orientation.

I reflected on my recent adventure with home improvement, all the things to be thankful for.

I was glad I listened to my inner voice, which told me to look into options two weeks ago. I was also grateful to have made a decision in short order and quickly completed the process of qualifying for a no-interest credit card.

I was thankful that the company I chose was able to move up my installation as soon as asked (right before a holiday, too) and that they came out quickly to remedy a small problem.

I am grateful for understanding that my home comfort is a continual process of paying attention. It’s not like once an appliance is replaced, the need to be observant and vigilant is over. I am most grateful that I can ask for help and, for the most part, I can see that people want to help.

So, maybe you could say I experienced several Thanksgiving miracles, one after each time I got the type of help I needed, but I came to a different conclusion.

The real miracle is not that I had a one-time encounter with good fortune. It’s knowing that my own observations and the good will of others is demonstrated every day. I am thankful for something  EVERY DAY.

I have to admit, though, that not having to turn up the TV volume to hear over the roar of the furnace is no small thing.

A post on an unexpected Thanksgiving blessing, “A Wabi-Sabi Thanksgiving,” appears in the collection, The Best of No Small Thing — Mindful Meditations.  Click HERE for to learn how you can buy the book.