“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. “ Philippians 1: 3-5   

Last Sunday’s sermon was entitled, “Help with Grief.” As worship ended in Robertson Chapel, I realized that I had sat in the very same place the day before at a funeral service. Five different people, including the pastor, spoke in celebration of the life of the loved one who passed. They told different stories including those about his ongoing and sometimes extreme generosity. One time a simple act inspired 6-7 Starbucks customers in a row to buy beverages for the cars behind them in the drive thru; it was a ripple effect!  

Finally, the Pastor cocked his head, smiled and said to the heavens, “I trust that you are hearing all this.” And those in the congregation nodded in gentle agreement. First because, telling stories about someone you have loved and lost is an important part of grieving. Second, I think they hoped the one who had died could hear how his life had woven something beautiful into their own. They gave thanks.  

The Apostle Paul gives thanks to God 46 times in his letters, often for those he was writing. He then explains why he is thankful for them while they were yet alive. The word he used for “thanks” breaks down into “good” and “grace.” When Paul remembers something or someone that reflects the “good grace” of God, he bursts into thanksgiving. The grace of God is shared.  

Maybe that’s why the stories of thanks we tell of the ones we’ve lost are so dear to us. It’s one way we recognize the grace of God in our lives. It’s one way we share in the grace of God with each other. Maybe that’s also why it’s important we start doing it now in this life.   

This week, take time to tell someone why you give thanks for them. Tell them a story about why. And remember that the grace of God is with you… and ready to be shared.  

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