Have you given thanks this week for some of your every day material blessings as was mentioned in last week’s blog? One day my prayer time went something like this:

I walked in my study (where I have my quiet time) and asked the Lord to give me one of the verses on the back of my door. Remember the tea towel with all the verses on it? My eye fell immediately on:

He makes all things beautiful in his time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

A refreshing verse in the midst of low energy, ice packs, and physical therapy. 

I sat on my sofa to give my thanks—first for the comfy sofa and the pillow behind my back. I thanked Him for the window to see outside, the books on my shelves, my desk and computer and on it went. It’s good to treasure the “things” we often overlook because we “assume.”

This week, I suggest we turn our thanks toward our relationships. Perhaps you can go on for a whole prayer time just with your husband or your children or a parent and well you should, but as you move on through your week, may I suggest you think of other relationships as well.

Just to  jump-start your thinking, consider that church leader you admire, the teacher that blesses you, the person you speak to every Sunday, but don’t know very well. Perhaps there’s a child that brings you delight or a teenager with whom you’ve been able to connect.    

Is there a best friend who knows you well or one you’re just getting to know? Think of an older friend who has increasing challenges or an acquaintance who suffers from a terrible disease. What about the relationships with your hair dresser, the cashier at the bank, or the grocery store check-out lady. So many people in our world.

Let me share one relationship for which I’m grateful. Several months ago, my freshman roommate in college discovered my email address. She wrote and we have continued writing and renewing our friendship. “Cookie” and I hadn’t seen each other in all these years. She has stage 4 liver cancer. I believe God sent her my way to enjoy her sweet spirit once again and to be an encourager to her.

As the Lord brings these special people into your mind this week, give thanks with specifics and then pray a particular blessing on them. It will renew your relationship with them.

May I be so bold as to ask that you also think of a few cantankerous people in your life. Is there something about them for which you can give thanks? Jesus reminded us:

“A new commandment I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

I pray you will enjoy giving thanks for the relationships in your life this week.

~ Joyce ~