Gratitude begins vertical and becomes horizontal. As we offer thanks to the Source of every good gift, we are reminded of the many channels that He uses to deliver them. Sometimes it is easy to recognize blessings from a distance and miss the ones that are right in front of us.

Permit me to share an example from my own life…

I am more grateful to God than ever for the wife He chose for me. In the words of Proverbs 19:14, “A prudent wife is from the LORD.”

Enjoying one of our favorite things – coffee together on a recent trip.

There is no way that I could do what I am doing with my life without Tammy. The other day she picked me up from the airport (again) with a smile on her face and a good word about the kids. The Holy Spirit reminded me that her ministry is the only thing that makes my ministry possible.

A few days ago Tammy and I were flying through a large airport together. An older man who worked for the airlines was helping us and he said to me, “You are a lucky man. You married a very pretty girl!” I gave my standard answer, “Yes sir, I married up in a big way.” But as I walked away, I thought, I am a blessed man. In ways much greater than that man could know. My wife is beautiful both inside and out. And she works hard to keep our home happy, a beautiful place to live.

Tammy is a much better Christian than I am. She is a wonderful wife and mother. She is one of God’s good and perfect gifts to me. For that I am truly thankful.

Could I challenge you to take your praise and put it into practice? Offer your thanks to God first and then pass it on to someone else. Write a note. Make a call. Speak a kind word. Start with those closest to you.

That’s what Paul did when he wrote, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).