THANKSGIVING

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…  Philippians 1:3

Recently, I heard someone remark that we need to be thankful this year for the people in our lives, not just the things. Of course, that set me to thinking. For whom am I thankful?

My little grandmother taught me what abiding in Christ looked like. She said she loved to clean house because that reminded her that God washed us and made us clean and righteous in his sight. Every person who came to her house left with a prayer and a word of encouragement. Grandma prayed without ceasing—even when driving. She was never religious; she just knew how to abide.

And then Grandpa taught us how to live a steadfast life in Christ, never worrying, never anxious. His Bible accompanied him on every trip—it was found open by his bedside the evening he died in Laredo. Grandpa’s quiet trust was a perfect foil to Grandma’s more vocal witness. Everyone held him up as a man of God.

Momo showed me that God is faithful. “Always go to the Word,” she advised when I was troubled. “God will speak to you.” In Momo I witnessed a life that was totally committed to doing God’s will as she understood it. She was mother to many spiritual children.

Papa was a model of endurance. Having severe arthritis from age 18 onwards, he never let pain interfere with responsibility. He taught us to never give up and to always do our best. Every time I encounter a rough patch in life, I sense Papa is watching me, knowing that I will fulfill my duty.

Besides these precious forebears, I am grateful for my children who have found the Lord for themselves and whose lives demonstrate their love for him. And then there are wonderful friends who through the years have invested themselves in me and whom God has given me to love.

I am blessed, and I am thankful.

For whom are you thankful? Consider sending a thanksgiving note stuffed with gratitude.

Father, all things come of thee, and outside of thee we have nothing. Especially today, for those people who have shaped and have been integral to our lives, we give you thanks. Thank you particularly for Grandma and Grandpa, Momo and Papa, my precious children, my grandchildren, and all my friends and wonderful co-workers. Help me never forget to be thankful. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.