We attended a new Church last Sunday, and I thought I would share what I took from it.
Luke 17:11-19 shines light on how amazing God's power is, and also how important it is to be thankful for the many blessings we are given. In case you aren't aware of this story, here it is:
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
When we say the words "thank you" it gives God glory. It also grows your heart and deepens your relationships. Saying thank you isn't enough, however; you have to mean it. How do you show you mean it? Be specific and genuine, go out of your way to say it, and say it in a way that each specific person will understand. Gratefulness is contagious, as is ungratefulness. I promise you that if you go out of your way to tell a family member, friend, co-worker, or whomever it may be that you are thankful for them and why, they will appreciate you so much more and will often times express their gratitude back towards you. And trust me, it feels good to say it and hear it. It's human nature to want to be appreciated. And it's great character to express it.
I have learned that what you appreciate tends to get better, and what you depreciate tends to get worse. We all need to work on this in ways, myself included. I know I take my health and beauty for granted, but I am working on being thankful for what I have. Truth is, I am so blessed. My late friend Hillary has had a very big role in helping my self-acceptance. She always saw so much beauty in me and I (very often) sub-consciously hear her telling me how beautiful I am when times get tough. She really is my Angel. My recent discoveries have really taught me that a powerful testimony of God is thankfulness among people facing adversity. I am so glad that during my times of struggle, I am able to turn to God and I know that he is listening. And despite how it may seem at times, I really am thankful for all he has given me and I do thank him every single day in prayer.
So please, express your gratitude to those around you. Take a few minutes out of your day to send a card to loved ones, to make a couple phones calls, send a text, say a prayer - however it is that you feel comfortable. We only have one life to live, and if we trust in God and live our life to the fullest, we will continue to be blessed with the many joys that life brings forth.
Remember, the men with leprosy trusted in God when he told them to go show themselves to the Priest. And before they even arrived, they were healed. They didn't question the Lord and in return, the Lord blessed them. Sometimes we have to believe and trust, even when it seems impossible. The Lord is there, and will always be there. Just love him and live your life to make him proud.
