Yesterday as I was driving home from work, I propped my elbow against the car door, and rested my hand on my face.  In that instance I could see my mom making that same gesture.  My mom went home to Heaven more than two years ago.  She was a wonderful person!  I am thankful for her today!  And not just her … other dear family members as well …my aunts who had so much laughter in their lives;  my grandmother who had a kind heart.   The Spirit reminded me that there is a “great cloud of witnesses”  – some I knew, some I didn’t – who going before left an awesome spiritual legacy.  Today I am thankful for that great cloud and their influence in my life!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  ~~Hebrews 12:1 – 2