For 81-year-old Flo McKinney, giving thanks is something she has integrated into her daily life. Flo regularly wheels seniors in wheelchairs to mass every Sunday, volunteers with the Baptist Retirement Community Auxiliary, visits with friends who do not have families close by and works through acts of kindness to do missionary work. Having been raised in China and after doing missionary work there for more than 30 years, Flo said she has a lot of reasons to be thankful.

“I was born and raised in China, as my parents were missionaries there,” Flo said. “I left China at 17 to come back to the United States and go to college at Baylor University. My husband and I traveled back to China to serve as missionaries for 27 years. We value helping others and leading them to God; it is very fulfilling. We all have gifts and talents and use them in different ways. I enjoy using mine to bring a smile to someone’s face.”

Flo enjoys sharing the joys of her life and her faith in God with others. She has been devoted to spreading the word of God all her life.

“I had a wonderful time in China,” Flo said. “God was good to send us to Hong Kong. It is such a vibrant place to live, and we enjoyed the international community of people who also called Hong Kong home.”

Flo and her husband worked in Chinese churches and liked taking the youth group on sailing trips. The trips gave them an opportunity to share about God. When they returned to the U.S., the retired in Houston but later moved to San Angelo to be close to Flo’s brother and his family.

“Being a missionary in China was the most wonderful experience,” Flo said. “The only way we can have abundant joy and peace is by being in God’s presence. We have so many reasons to be thankful.

“I am most thankful for my good health and the daily blessings I receive from God. More people should be thankful for the simpler things in life and get up ready to enjoy the day they have been given. We should be thankful for the good days and the bad days. The bad days make us even more thankful for the good ones. People who live life with a pessimistic outlook need to look beyond themselves and see how they can help others, look for the needs of others and work to help fulfill those needs. They’ll feel better for it. There is goodness not only in things, but also in people.”

“Flo is an inspiration and a joy to other residents in the community,” said Quinda Feil-Duncan, Baptist Retirement Community executive director. “Her attitude and outlook on life is contagious. We are thankful for her and appreciate that she cares for and serves her neighbors in a special way.”