Romans 16:3-5

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house.

A psychiatrist shared a hand-written note he had received recently from the mother of one of his patients. It was only a couple of lines, but in those words, she expressed her appreciation for the compassion he had for her adult child who continues to struggle.

Part of his practice is engaged in addictions. He pointed to three folders containing patient charts on his desk. Those three did not show up for their appointments. None of them are answering his calls. He fears the worst, so the note from the mother meant that much more to him.

As Paul writes the conclusion of his letter to the Romans, he includes greetings to a group of people, and for many of them, he lists a specific detail of what they meant to him.

Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned several times in the New Testament. In each instance, this couple served faithfully and Paul notes his appreciation for them. He does the same for some twenty other individuals as he mentions them by name.

When I left home this morning, I found a card Patrina placed in the seat of my car. She wanted to make sure she was the first to wish me a happy birthday! Throughout the day, I received a number of text messages and calls from family and friends, and people I work with including a few of the health care providers I work with.

There are people in your life (and mine) who would appreciate a personal note of thanks. And when you encourage others, you will be encouraged as well through the process.