Philippians 2:14-16 English Standard Version
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Paul led the Philippians to Christ. Who led you to Christ?
For me it was Don and Betty Williams. They were the first to show me the love of God in its truest form. They have gone on to be with the Lord and they leave in the wake of their absence a flood of children that call them mom and dad Williams.
One thing was true during all my visits that never changed, ever. They prayed over me every time. Consistency in the face of change in my life said that no matter what I was going through in my life, their love for me remained consistent.
So much of this life in Christ is growth and maturing. We follow Christ and our paths take us away from our origins and when our focus is on the Lord, it might be a long time before we look back on the ones that led us here.
Not everyone had parenting like Timothy.
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
Paul gave credit where credit was due, honor where honor was due. I would call them from time to time and never hung up without reminding them how much they meant to me.
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Remember who got this ball rolling. Keep it going.