… walang tigil ang pasasalamat ko sa Diyos para sa inyo tuwing ipinapanalangin ko kayo.

Mga Taga-Efeso 1:16‬‬‬‬

Now that the year is ending, what — or who — are you thankful for?

Oftentimes, it is the people that we experience the year with that make it memorable. Throughout the year we interact with family, friends, classmates, co-workers, or other people in our community on a regular basis, in real life or online. May mga tao na mako-consider natin na blessing sa buhay natin. They make our lives happier, better, or easier. May mga tao naman na “challenging” — they test our patience, frustrate us, or affect our lives in a negative way. Madalas, may mga tao sa buhay natin na minsan blessing, minsan challenging!

That is what the Apostle Paul experienced as he ministered to the churches in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, and other places. In his letters, he commended some churches and rebuked others. Nevertheless, nagpapasalamat si Paul sa Panginoon for the people he met from different churches (see Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4, Ephesians 1:16, and other verses in the Epistles for specific examples) and he prays for them.

Think about the people you spent the most time with this year. Who are the people that encouraged or blessed you? Who are the people that have challenged you to grow?  What about the people you met for the first time or got to know more this year? Trust that the Lord has allowed you to meet or interact with these people for a reason and thank Him for their presence in your life.