Thankfulness

When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him-and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed?  Where are the other nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:14-19   

Few parental tasks are as challenging as that of teaching your children to say, "Thank you." In spite of your best intentions, you will soon discover that ingratitude and thanklessness come naturally. It is the rare child indeed who regularly and spontaneously says, "Thank you," after enjoying an act of kindness. 

Parents, take heart. The problem is at least as old as the book of Luke. In the scripture above Jesus heals ten lepers. But upon finding themselves cleansed only one returns to offer thanks and worship. Where were the other nine?  

And what about us as adults? When was the last time you told your spouse, your children, your minister, or your God “thank you" for a blessing that has recently come into your life?  Make today an unscheduled "thanksgiving day" for you. 

Each day should be one of thanks. 

Prayer: Lord, we are thankful and let us always remember to express to others and especially to you. Amen

Marilyn Jones Albin (reprinted from 2016)