We are pondering Paul’s introduction to his letter to the Romans. He does not know them so he first introduces himself as “a slave” of Christ Jesus and then as an apostle under assignment, “called.” Paul wants to meet these young Christians whose reputation of faith is known all over the civilized world then. They were his heroes or models.
When I was a young adult I attended a street rally held by a politician running for governor who later became President of the United States. I did not get to meet him but I had his signature on a card I kept pinned to my corkboard. Once I stood with my brand new baby in arms as the President of Kenya walked by and he paused, pointed his ruler’s stick at my daughter and proclaimed, “She too will go to this school.” And she did. We all have heroes and people we admire that we would love to meet or at least be in a meeting with.
Paul is not giving thanks for a good deed done to him, from which he benefited. He writes, “I give thanks to my God through Jesus Christ for all of you. (Romans 1:8)” He is thanking God for how the Roman Christians have lived their faith in the middle of a pagan city. He wants them to know that he is one of the prayer warriors, one of the unknown masses praying for them constantly and he is trying to figure out a way to meet with them so they can share their faith.
Is there someone who has been a model and mentor to you that you might want to thank for how they have lived their life in a way that deeply impacted you? “Thank you for being you, cause it has helped me to become me. Perhaps we say nice things on birthday cards or anniversaries but today perhaps there is someone you could write a just-because card to with words of affirmation. Some of our mentors and heroes have passed on but we can ask God through Jesus to relate our gratitude for their lives. Gratitude is a powerful force for good in our lives and in our world. Take time in prayer to remember those who have blessed you and whom you would love to meet with and have a good chat about life!
On the Way to Wonder 