ONE OF TEN

As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Luke 17:12-13

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Luke 17:17

Last week, Maren, our four-year-old granddaughter, danced in her first recital. The lessons were our gift for her November birthday. It was money well spent as evidenced by her enthusiasm for the weekly class and her joy in dressing up for the recital. I saw the video—how darling she looked in her yellow tutu and tights. Her blonde hair almost angelic in the stage lights.

Later, when I asked Maren to tell me about the recital, she refused to give me the time of day. Instead, she ran off with a playmate and left me standing alone. I could hear her telling her friend about the recital. In her four-year-old universe, she was oblivious to the connection that the lessons had been our gift to her.

Multiply that moment by a billion times and you see how we respond to God. In the passage above, ten lepers were healed of an incurable, hideous disease. Only one returned to even say thank you. Can’t you hear the disappointment and incredulity in Jesus’ voice when He asks the whereabouts of the other nine?

I’d like to say that I remember to thank God for my blessings, but I must admit, I’m no better than my granddaughter. Just think, today I woke up in a warm house with clean clothes, nutritious food, fresh water, clean air, and the health to enjoy them. I spoke to my children on the telephone and shared emails with friends. My husband and I went for a long walk after dinner and talked about our plans for an upcoming vacation. Did I remember to thank God for any of these precious things?

Grateful people are happy people. Have you ever tried saying “thank you” without smiling? Today, why don’t you thank God for the good things in your life. You’ll be glad you did.

God, thank you for our many blessings. Open our eyes to see them. Amen.