“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only the Gospel but our own lives, too” (1Thess.2:8). “Faith first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice… and now lives in you” (2Tim.1:5). “I am so glad Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come… they refreshed my spirit” (1Cor.16:17-18)
Heavenly Father, it’s always a good day to remember those you’ve placed in our lives as grace-parents in our journey and kindness-fountains in our vulnerability. Indeed, thank you Abba for mentors in life, rescuers in our wandering, refreshers in our deserts. They came (and come) to us in many “packages,” contexts, and at strategic times. Remind us of their faces, names, and blessing in our lives. Remind us of just how rich, loved, and blessed we are.
Parents and surrogate parents… Sunday School teachers and Young Life leaders… Kind bosses and beautiful janitors… Neighbors up the street and angels from above… Tenacious roommates and coaches who loved us… Authors we’ll meet in heaven and hymnwriters who open our hearts.
Grandmothers who prayed and wept for us, and grandchildren who reveal your grace and joy to us… Old worn-out cassette tapes and Bibles with faded ink-notes… Friends who showed up and will not give up… Fishing buddies who care about hearts more than fish… And your kind-eyed children, Abba, whose laughter and listening are a kiss and feast for us.
Thank you heavenly Father for being exactly that to us. Thank you for seeking and saving us. Thank you for those you’ve sent, send, and continue to use in our lives. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the Holy Spirit. Thank you, and So Very Amen.