Philippians 1:1-9

Giver of Good things,

This morning strings of gratitude meander my mind, yet none seem sufficient. In our culture, we say "Thank You", but two little words fall so far short of the immense desire of my heart.

Every time I part my lips before Your throne, gratefulness bounds from them for these precious people. Every time I recall their love, their fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, their generosity, their hope, I "Thank You". And it is not enough.

With joy I ask for their joy. With delight I ask for their delight. With elation I ask for their elation. Every time I remember them.

And I know You. You are a God of response and reply and recognition; a God who hears and listens and grants. You will bring to completion the good things You've begun in them. It is who You are.

My heart wells up. I am full. I carry these people in the crevices of my heart and hold them dear in my spirit.

And it is right.

It is right because they have sat with me, cried with me, yelled with me, prayed with me, stayed up with me, listened to me, taught me, shaped me, counseled me, hugged me, mentored me, led me, held me. In every sorrow, they entered in. In every struggle, they partook.

You are my witness, are You not? Before You my love is known. Only You, probably. Because there are no words of expression.

And so I ask…

That You, Love Himself, would cause their love to abound more and more in knowledge and discernment.

That You would cause them to approve the things that are excellent.

That they might be sincere and without offense until You come again.

That the spiritual harvest of righteousness might be abundant.

Linked in Love. Never to say a final "goodbye".

"Thank You".