November Gratitude Stone 19 Fellowship/Community

(1 Cor. 13:1-3) Nothing is worth doing without love. 

(Phil 1:3) I thank my God every time I remember you.

(Eph. 1:16) I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Paul was a very grateful man; that is clear as you read his letters. He is also thankful for people, who he thanked specifically for their contribution to his life and ministry. People matter. Community matters.  In fact, I believe that many people are a provision of God’s grace. Even the ones that need extra grace!

Gratitude needs an object and true thankfulness needs a “you” to say thank you to. The number of “ebenezers” I could stack up for the people who I am grateful for would be as tall as Mt. Everest!  When Jim was sick, we had the blessed opportunity to hear words of thanks for the impact he had in their lives. Not only was it encouraging for our whole family, it was humbling to know that God chose to us us and we heard Him and obeyed! We all need each other in profound and meaningful ways, which is contrary to the American value of rugged independence.

Being thankful deepens friendships, it motivates, it encourages and decreases loneliness and self pity.

I often ask myself the question, “Have I ever thanked ______ for the way God used them in my life?”  

Lord, thank you for showing up through so many people to remind me of you.  I am grateful that I am not expected to do it all by myself. I am thankful for the people who have chosen to do life with me. Help me to reciprocate and to pay it forward.

PS. Why/how do atheists celebrate thanksgiving? Maybe they should call it “Lucky me Day”