Philemon - Pt 2

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. (Philemon 1:4-5 ESV). Philemon was the owner of the runaway slave Onesimus, once unprofitable and unbelieving, but who had encountered Paul in Rome and had been converted. He had not been a cruel or harsh master; rather Paul regarded him as a faithful Christian. Philemon was a man who had actively manifested his faith and love, and Paul had come to find much joy and comfort in his relationship with Philemon. Each time he thought of Philemon, Paul said a prayer of thanksgiving. There have been many people in my life who have had the same effect. It is wonderful how God continues to bring people to mind that bring me such thoughts of thanksgiving. This week has been one of those times. I hesitate to single these two men out among the hundreds of people in my past and present. However, the circumstances of the week merely brought them more to mind. Perhaps it is because I have not been as closely in contact with them as I should. I have been getting ready for this year’s deer season more so than usual. I have been spending time with one of my “present” friends, Bucky Rowland, with the conversation naturally turning to what we need to get done before the season starts in Tennessee. That activity took me back to the years I spent in Tyler with two of the most wonderful friends anyone could have. We shared many days on a small piece of wooded property we called “Brushy Creek.” It was hardly big enough to really hunt, but we thought it was the next best thing to heaven. We built stands, blazed trails, and erected a cabin of sorts that provided many hours of fellowship around the campfire. Space does not allow me to detail any of the hundreds of stories that have become treasures to me. Whenever we talk, those are the days that we fondly remember. Ron Skinner and Jerry Billups are friends I am truly thankful to have. May I ask you something? For whom are you thankful? Do you voice that thanks to God? Who, if they weren't in your life, would make life less desirable for you? A co-worker? A friend? A loved one? A spouse? A child? A pastor? Who just literally "makes your day"? Have you thanked God for them lately? And, more importantly, have you told them how much they mean to you? If they were gone tomorrow would you be sorry you haven't told them how grateful you are to have them in your life? Take a few moments today to send a note, make a call, or go see someone who has made a real difference in your life. It will "make their day" and yours too!