Thanking God for You Friday Five (and Thankfulness 23)

Phillipians 1:3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

I'm musing about giving thanks for people today, partly because Americans celebrated our annual Thanksgiving holiday yesterday (I try not to just make this holiday "turkey day" even though its main feature seems to be eating till one is nearly comatose) and partly because I read the above verse this morning. It started me thinking about individuals in my life for whom I give thanks. I asked the Rev Gals and Pals to share with us "Five People For Whom You Give Thanks to God" and maybe tell us why they are significant. It is hard to pick just five, of course, but here are mine.

1. My father. He has been with the Lord for a long time now, and I miss him. Among the things I appreciated and also learned (or inheirited) from him were loyalty, faith even when things are bleak, loving to sing, teaching, a compassionate heart, and how to have fun. I am happy to say that he passed down some of his positive traits to me. Well, a couple of the negative ones too, but those are not part of this post.

2. Dr. Jaques. He was an extraordinary eye doctor who agreed to take on a four-year old patient whom others had given up on. I never think of him without gratitude that this dear, old, gifted man not only saved my sight but loved me as well.

3. Mary Newbill. She was my Primary Sunday School teacher. She saw who I was, and she encouraged me. Those of you who teach small kids, never underestimate the power of love and belief.

4. Okay, let's move to present day. I thank God for my secretary, Honey, who reads my posts, works at our church faithfully, prays for me, sometimes cries for me, makes me laugh--and does it all without a paycheck.

5. My husband. He loves me unconditionally. What more can anyone ask for?