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Who Would You Miss? Tell Them Before Heaven

  “Your love (Philemon) has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people” (Phile.1:7) “God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2Cor.7:6). “Greet Priscilla and Aquila… they risked their lives for me” (Rom.16:3-4). “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too” (Rom.16:13). “Onesiphorus often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (2Tim.1:16).

 

Heavenly Father, these many verses, names, and intentional “thank-yous” have gotten my attention this morning. Thank you for the many people you’ve placed in our lives—our surrogate moms and dads, the grace-conduits and mercy-fountains, the timely refreshers and empathic comforters… our Gospel-posse and two-legged parties.

Sisters and brothers whose listening give us more answers than words ever could. Most of them have never held a microphone, but they speak deep to our hearts. Many of them are low on the “org chart,” but they are off-the-charts in encouragement. But do they know? Do they have a clue how much we treasure them?

Father, as you know, I’ve led more funerals this year than in many years. Several friends, ole mates, and once-upon-a-time colleagues in the gospel, life, and joy have passed into heaven. In many cases, I grieve their absence more than I celebrated their presence. There are thank-yous, words of affection, acknowledgements of appreciation I wish I had given. That’s not guilt, but your grace at work in my heart.

Free me and my friends from putting off thanks, encouragements, and appreciations. Though there are some goodbyes we’re sad we didn’t get to say, but there are many “I so appreciate yous” that can still be given. Who would we miss, Abba? So Very Amen.

 

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