How good it is to be remembered!
by Jo Corney
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I thank my God every time I remember you (Philippians 1:3).
Read Philippians 1:1–11
One day, I received an email with the Scripture reference of Philippians 1:3–6 included. It was an encouragement in my day! I was grateful for this. If a chaplain has a tricky day, it can mean someone else has had a trickier one – this contact arrived on such a day.
These verses say, ‘I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’.
I have read that, on average, we have approximately 60,000 thoughts per day. This feels about right in my experience. I find many thoughts contain those I care for – some passing thoughts, and some linger longer. On the day I’ve mentioned, it was helpful to know I was remembered and cared for by being reminded via the scriptural reference to the good work of God continuing in me to its completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Sometimes, I manage to act on my thoughts towards others by reaching out by text or phone call to let them know they are remembered; however, compared to the volume of those that pass through my mind, this is a small number. I can say that over time, I have grown in the practice of committing those who are in my thoughts to God in prayer. I was uplifted and helped when an intentional remembrance of me was made known. The experience has encouraged me to let others know, as I can manage, that they are thought of and remembered. I hope my sharing encourages you.
Loving Lord, in this busy time leading to Christmas, please help us to remember others and, as we can manage, be encouragers. Please help us to also notice when others encourage us on our journey of life and in our experience of faith. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Jo Corney is an active member of the LCANZ in Queensland. She has served over many years in voluntary parish pastoral care, ministry and development and representative roles. Over recent years, she has been privileged to serve in the delivery of chaplaincy for Lutheran Services.
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