Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Thanks Living: Actively Expressing Gratitude


We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2
Give thanks: actively to express gratitude
Always: at all times, evermore
For you: consideration where "all the bases are covered"
Making mention: as often as I remember you; literally, 'on all my remembrance'
Prayers: earnest prayer

People—World.
The world is full of people. Some we see on a regular basis. Some we know. Some we pass by. And others we interact with in varying degrees. Family. Friends. Acquaintances. Neighbors. 

People—Introduction.
Introduction based on commonality.
Back: Lately I've meet people because I wear a back brace. Several people have stopped me to ask about my back and what has helped, or what I had done as they are seeking answers for their own back issues.
Faith: I have the privilege of attending a great church. It's been exciting over the past year to meet various people and become engaged in some of their lives. 
Problems: Due to a fence that needs to be replaced, I've had the opportunity to get to know my neighbor more and meet some contractors. Often problems introduce us to people as we work for a common solution. 
Serving: Often we neglect this aspect of people. We are often so busy on what others can do for us, we neglect that we are to be serving others. Helping and encouraging others usually ends up being a blessing for the "server" as well as the recipient. 

I keep thinking about "actively to express gratitude"—to God for people. As I think about the people in my life, WOW, am I ever blessed! Thanks Living is recognizing the people that are in my life and actively expressing my gratitude to God for them—and making sure I say "thanks" to those individuals who are part of my life.

We give thanks to God always for you all. 
Actively expressing gratitude, making sure all bases are covered—not leaving out who and/or what was done. Actively expressing gratitude to God for people.

As there is much that we ought to be thankful for on the behalf of ourselves and our friends, so there is much occasion of constant prayer for further supplies of good. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Thanks Living is recognizing who God brings into our lives, and taking time to "actively to express gratitude"—to God for them. 

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