My sister, Binu, has referred to herself as the “Thank You Police”, no matter how big or small the deed.
Well, maybe it runs in the family, because I am a bit of a “Thank You” stickler too. If I hold the door open for a stranger or LET someone in MY lane on the road, some type of appreciation gesture would be nice. Unfortunately, that seems to be happening less frequently these days.
In fact, I was recently feeling unappreciated for something I did for someone. Even though I had gone out of my way for them, it wasn’t even acknowledged.
After thinking about who I could call to discuss my feelings, I knew I just needed to pray and go to the Word. (Disclaimer – I wish that was always my response but it isn’t).
I went to my assigned scripture reading for the day, which concluded with this: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV
My heart immediately felt peace. If anyone knew about being unappreciated, it was Jesus! There are so many examples in scripture of people wanting something from Him … a good sermon, a meal, deliverance, etc.. Once they got what they came for, sometimes they offered praise to God, sometimes they didn’t.
There is one story in particular when Jesus called out a lack of thankfulness. In Luke 17, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, and as it frequently happened, people cried out to him for help along the way. This time, it was a group of 10 lepers. In those days, leprosy was such an issue that they had to live in isolation and cry out “Unclean” when they approached a group of people. No one could touch them either because then that person would become unclean too.
Jesus told these lepers to “go and show” themselves to the priest, and as they walked away they were healed! Can you imagine?? That’s why, what happened next is surprising:
Luke 17:15 ONE of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; 16 and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten [of you] cleansed? Where are the [other] nine? 18 Was there no one found to return and to give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner?”
1 out of 10 … and these weren’t children who didn’t know better … These were grown men whose lives would never be the same.
Tomorrow may be an official day of giving thanks, but we all know that gratitude should really be a part of our lives every day … and a condition of our hearts. So, here are a few things to consider:
- You may feel unappreciated. Remember that Jesus has been there too! And because of that, He invites us to come to the throne of GRACE to receive mercy and grace. It isn’t a throne of “stop feeling sorry for yourself” or condemnation … it is grace formed, grace filled and grace flowing.
- Show appreciation to others. Be sure to thank the turkey cooker, potato masher, green bean casserole assembler and the dish washer (not the machine … the person). I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to be acknowledged for what they have done.
- Come to God with thanksgiving and praise. After all, He is the giver of all good things and like the song goes, “as long as I’m breathing, I’ve got a reason to praise the Lord!” He doesn’t need our thanks, but He is worthy of it.
And if you see me on the road, and I let you in my lane, a simple wave would be appreciated.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone ;-) ~ Anu
