Paul wrote, "I thank my God every time I remember you" (Philippians 1:3 NIV).

Do you have someone like that in your life? These are people you love and who love you. No matter what goes on in your world you know they are there. If you are flying high, they're there. If you are hanging out in the valley they are there. They love you and you love them, and every time you remember them you are thankful and a smile comes over your face. The Message says, "Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God."

Maybe it's a passing thought. Maybe it's a lingering daydream where you drift off into a land somewhere far away. Maybe it's when you hear a certain song, see a clip from a favorite movie, or read a familiar Scripture. Every time they cross your mind, you give thanks to God for them.

Here's a simple exercise in thankfulness that can lift your spirits, perhaps change your disposition, and it may even cause you to "break out in exclamations of thanks to God." It's simple. Take a break from whatever you are doing and make a list of these people who bring joy to your heart. As you list them, spend a moment expressing to God your thankfulness for that person and why you are glad they are in your life. If you dare to take it a step further, share your thoughts with the person. Write them a note. Call them. Text them. Email them. Post something on their Facebook wall. Tweet them. Or, if you can, look them in the eye and say, "I thank my God every time I remember you."

Here are some suggestions:

Your immediate family. Your spouse. Your children. Your parents. Thank God for blessing you and trusting you with these special gifts.

Your extended family. Your brothers and sisters, along with their families. What wonderful memories you must share with these dear people. Most will be pleasant; but some may be very difficult. All are gifts from God reminding you of who you are, where you came from, and where God wants to take you.

Most of the rest of your family. These are the aunts, uncles, and cousins who are scattered all over the world and make you thankful for your shared heritage.

Express your gratitude to them!
Friends. These are the old friends that you've kept in touch with over the years. These are the old friends whom you hardly ever see, and have limited contact with through occasional phone calls, rare visits, and connections through the Internet community. You can be thankful for the comfort of knowing they are always there. These are the old friendships that are so real and so strong that when you do have occasions to speak it's as if you've seen each other every day of your lives. These are the new friendships that are growing deeper and stronger each day.

Mentors. Express your gratitude for those people God has placed in your life to teach you, encourage you, and help you remember that it's not all about you.

Try it. Enjoy it.

"I thank my God every time I remember you."