Jane M. Phinney
Tucked away in the gospel
of Luke, chapter 17, is a short account of Jesus healing 10 men with leprosy. Although there are other noted individuals in the Bible, afflicted with this disease, this is the only mention of this particular group of men interacting with Him. The book of Leviticus documents the detailed testing for leprosy (chapter 13), & also the traditional cleansing process by the priests (chapter 14). But what really captured my attention, was the heart attitude of the 10
th
leper. While unexpectedly interacting with Jesus, he was attentive & alert to what was happening
around
him,
in
him, &
to
him. He was soul-connected. And his immediate response was to stop & acknowledge the Source.
Jesus encountered this ostracized group
while he was traveling between Galilee & Samaria. The record states that the thankful man was a Samaritan, a foreigner…a different race. Perhaps the implication is that part, or all, of the 9 remaining were Jesus’ own people, making the 10
th
leper’s gratitude (as opposed to their lack) even more amazing. Jesus followed Hebrew tradition & told all 10 men to show themselves to the priests & they obeyed. In the process of going, they were cleansed. But apparently only the 10th leper sensed the miracle that had transpired & he
turned back.
He was unashamed. He was grateful. Verses 15 &16 say that he
loudly
glorified God, fell on his face at Jesus’ feet & gave Him thanks. I want to be like the 10
th
leper.
To be completely honest,
I must admit that thankfulness is not
naturally
my first response in most of the situations I encounter in life. When surprised speechless by something positive, my jaw drops & I say one of two things. “Are you for real?” Or, “You’ve GOT to be kidding me!!” (Occasionally, I cry.) I end up thanking the Lord in the end…a bit later, when I’ve had time to process. In traumatic or unexpected changes & pain, I just feel numb. My stomach knots up & my heart pounds. My mind swirls & I sometimes have trouble breathing. I generally end up sitting with my head in my hands. But uttering thanks to God, for still being sovereign over my sudden pain or loss, is
not
my first thought.
Jesus poignantly responds
to the glaring lack of gratitude. His words reveal His shock & dismay when He asks, “
Where are they? Was no one found who
turned back to give glory to God, except the foreigner?”
Then He turns to the 10
th
leper &, in essence, says, “Get up, get going. Your faith has made you well (saved you.)” Wouldn’t you just love to hear Jesus say that to you??
Through the seasons of my life,
I’m seeing clearly that being grateful isn’t a means to an end, to try to get something more from God. Neither is it an “order” to be carried out, that nets you a reward. God isn’t a slot machine. No,
gratitude is way beyond the superficial
. Think about it. Thankfulness is birthed from a need, of some sort, be it external or internal — & expressed in the physical, spiritual or financial areas of life
. Is not
all of life ultimately
spiritually transforming?
“
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in
everything
give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(I Thess.5:16-18) Everything means just that! I believe that gratitude blooms when you’re alert to God working in all that concerns you. Both the sudden changes & the ordinary. Hardships & blessings. Suffering & contentment. I’m pretty sure I’ll be on this learning track until heaven!
For the past few years,
I’ve kept gratitude journals. It only takes a few minutes every morning. My favorite method is writing the date & then using bullet points to record anything that struck me as something God used to remind of Himself & His care over my life. Some days I have repeats. No matter. I record the blessing of encouraging words, a scripture lesson, a verse, an answered prayer, monetary gifts, a meal, an act of service, prayers prayed over me, something funny said by a child, things I noticed in nature, things I appreciate in daily living & then of course…people who’ve ministered to me in the incidentals. To get started, picture your life without what makes it flow…physically & spiritually. You’ll be amazed when you go back later & reread your entries! Your record of God’s activity can be a huge encouragement! Sometimes, recalling them has even made me laugh out loud.
😊
A few weeks ago
, I was reminded of gratitude by reading an obituary. I happened across this testimony in a way that could only have been orchestrated by God. My college roommate’s mom was 95 & lived independently in Iowa, most of her life. And though I haven’t seen her for a long time, some favorite memories popped into my head. She lived to serve others while embracing pain, & loss, along the way.
She lived grateful & she lived
giving.
I fondly recalled that she made the dresses for our wedding. She loved cooking for people & just had a knack for making food taste extra good! Her kitchen table was a place of fellowship. One Sunday, shortly after we were married, Steve & I spontaneously rode bike, 20 miles round trip, to visit with this couple. Reading about her life, today, inspired me again. It affirmed what I know to be true…that little things speak volumes & they add up to influence lives. So, I thanked God for the blessing to have known her. Eleanor’s life reminded me, again, that gratitude isn’t just a feeling. Most often, it’s a choice.
