This month is my month to teach during my Wednesday night Girlz Club class (3rd-5th graders) at church. Last week I talked about this story:
Luke
17:11-19
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between
Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him.
Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have
mercy on us!" When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show
yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then
one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a
loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a
Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine,
where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except
this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way;
your faith has made you well."
Then, I asked the girls: Why in the world would only one of the lepers come back to say thank you? Forgetfulness, too excited to stop and say thanks....I'm sure they had their reasons, right?
Leprosy was a horrible disease that cut people off from all of society. It's why they had to yell at Jesus from a distance--because they weren't allowed to go near anyone who didn't have the disease. Jesus did more than heal these people, he literally gave them their lives back. They could now go to the synagogue, see their family, etc. And yet, only one--the Samaritan (the non-religious one) came to say thanks.
I've been thinking a lot about this lesson during the last week (I hope some of the girls did too). What excuses do I give for not giving thanks for the things in my life? The bottom line is that I take things for granted. I have always had clean water running from my sink, a warm home to live in and food to eat. And sometimes, even when something miraculous happens--like the healing of the lepers--I are filled with relief and am glad, but sometimes I just move on without a shout out the Almighty.
With Thanksgiving approaching, I don't just want to give thanks on one day. I want to cultivate a thankful heart that expresses gratitude each and every day.
It's easier than you think. While I was throwing up and sick last week (one day after this lesson mind you), I found myself thinking. Wow, I am so blessed that I have a soft bed to lay in. I am so thankful that my sister-in-law was able to take the kids for the day. I love that I live where I have access to Tylenol to ease my aching head. I am so glad that I food in the pantry to re-strengthen my body.
What are you thankful for today? Think hard...what is something that you have every day and yet forget to say "thanks" for? It's not too late. Give thanks now.
Comments