A Grateful heart

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:3-6 (NRSV)

Awlwyn Balnave lives in British Columbia, Canada. Reflecting on his spiritual journey, Awlwyn realizes certain people have helped to shape the direction of his life. He remembers the pastor who shared the gospel with him when he was a young agnostic. He remembers the young adult group at church who welcomed him, and he remembers the vice principal of a seminary who stepped in to help a new student whose family was going through a time of fragile finances. Some of those memories go back fifty years! God brings people into our lives who encourage us and guide us in life-changing ways. When Awlwyn remembers these people and the blessings they have been, he feels gratitude for them and to God.

The apostle Paul felt this kind of gratitude. Today's quoted scripture is the beginning of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. The church supported him in his ministry and sent one of their own with a gift for him when he was under house-arrest in Rome. In the book of Philippians, Paul remembers the many blessings he received from the church. Even in prison, he thanks God in his prayers. Like Paul, may we remember how much God has blessed us through others, and may our prayers come from grateful hearts.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the people you have brought into our lives at just the right time. Help us to remember them with a grateful heart, in Jesus' name. Amen.