Amid the whirlwind of life's challenges and busyness, there's a profound practice that often gets buried beneath the daily hustle and bustle, and that's the art of "Thanking God for those around us." Gratitude is so much more than a simple expression of thanks; it's a spiritual discipline that enriches our relationships with family, friends, mentors, and our wider faith community. Today, let's take inspiration from the timeless wisdom of the Apostle Paul, whose life and teachings provide us with a compelling example of gratitude in action.

One thing that's striking about the Apostle Paul is how he continually thanked God for the people in his life, including those within the faith community. It's easy to skim over these passages and see them as mere greetings, but there's so much more to it. Like many of us, I used to reserve my thankfulness for material blessings or favorable circumstances. I prayed for many, but it didn't occur to me to thank God for the people who supported me, prayed for me, and comforted me. However, as I reflected, I began to see the immense importance of thanking God for those who have contributed to my life, not only personally but also for the fellow believers in Christ who labor, whose faith shines as a reflection of Christ.

While we may often thank people in our lives directly, it's crucial to take that extra step and consistently thank God for those around us, mentioning them personally in our prayers. As we've observed through the example of the Apostle Paul and the scriptures that guide us, this practice has the power to strengthen our relationships, nurture our spiritual growth, foster unity and love, and position us as instruments of God's blessings.

By extending our gratitude to God for those around us, we continue to walk in His divine light, sharing joy, love, and blessings not only with ourselves but with everyone we encounter. May this inspire us to make gratitude a consistent part of our lives, turning it into a harmonious chorus of thanksgiving that glorifies our Creator and encourages others to do the same. Thanking God for those around us isn't just a ritual; it's a life-enriching journey that can transform us and the world we touch.