A Simple “Thanks”

Large and small - people do things for you that you appreciate.  Could be the ticket taker at the movie theater, the person taking your order at your fast food place, a friend you hangs out with you, a parent who does so much for you every day as well as people like teachers, coaches, and even those that you don’t see everyday (police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, etc.).   Do you stop each day and pray for them?  Do you find them out and personally thank them when they do something good for you (or others)?

Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
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.”   Luke 17:11-19 (NRSV)

From the verses above, only one of the men who were healed decided to thank the person who helped him.  Jesus asks the man where everybody else went?  What could the man say?  Jesus doesn’t punish the other 9 who didn’t come back and say thank-you to Jesus.  However, Jesus is very pleased with the ONE who did say thank-you.  A lesson in manners, yes, maybe.  How much more is it a message that God constantly helps us and sends people to help us in large and small ways AND how excited God is when we thank God and everyone who goes out of their way to care about us.  This week, say thanks to God and those around you!!!