A woman once asked her family and friends to name the things for which they were thankful, and together they came up with some pretty interesting things: pets, sunglasses, sharp toenail clippers, dental floss, autumn days, clean water and hot showers, and of course, chocolate. Another lady added a few more: the sound of rain on the roof, her crock pot, her Bunko friends, her first boyfriend, and even hard times.
Any group can go through this exercise at any time of the year. I suppose we could even do it in a worship service here at church. We would hear the usual things: family, friends, food, football (how did that get in there?). We would list our church, our country and what Jesus did for us on the cross. But to go around and give time to everyone here today might take a while.
I would like to tell you of one item which comes to my mind on a regular basis. These are thoughts that frequently are expressed aloud in my times alone with God. I thank God for you and this church, and I do it often.
When I say I am thankful for my church, I mean that from several different angles. Your love toward Sharon and me has been phenomenal, and we are amazed at the ways you have expressed your love and concern for both of us. I am thankful for the people in our church who go far out of the way to send a card, offer a prayer, or bring a small little gift that reminds Sharon of how much you love her and that you have not stopped praying for her, even though she is not able to attend very often.
Your encouragement has helped us in ways you cannot know. Your love has picked us up and kept us going. Your prayers have been heard and recorded in heaven.
So please understand that when I say “Thank you” for all you’ve done, it is also a prayer of thanksgiving to our great God who brought us together. My heart wells up with gratitude. And when I say “Thank You” to God, He knows that so very much is included in those two little words.
--Rocky Henriques, www.uticabc.com