Thank you Mama.

Three simple words, I never get tired of hearing.

In the morning, when I place a scrambled egg on my son’s plate. Thank you Mama. When we sit to eat dinner. Thank you Mama.

Whether it comes from a high pitched seven year old, or a really deep, sounds a little like Barry White, seventeen year old….those words have never failed to warm my heart. Ever.

And you know what? Those words warm the heart of our Heavenly Father too.

In Luke chapter 17, Jesus was making his way toward Jerusalem. He entered a village and encountered ten men. Ten ostracized men with leprosy. They respectfully kept their distance but raised their voices and cried out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus took a good look at them, then said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”

In those days, the priest could declare someone as healed or clean, thus granting a leper permission to re-enter society.

They ALL did as Jesus instructed them, and while in route to see the priest, all TEN were healed.

But only ONE of the men, when he realized that he was healed, returned to Jesus to say ‘Thank you.”

In fact, “He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him…”

Jesus then asked, “Were not all ten healed? Where are the other nine?”

Maybe you can relate.

You didn’t exactly heal anyone of leprosy, but you did hold the door open for more people than you originally planned for…. and no one said, Thank you.

Or perhaps you did something pretty selfless or amazing for someone and all you got in return was….well, nothing. Not even a thank you.

We certainly can’t control what comes out of other people’s mouths but we can control what comes out of our mouths.

And a sincere thank you goes a long way…to the people in our lives and to Jesus.

So why not make it a habit…

As we get out of bed, Thank you Jesus. Eat our breakfast, Thank you Jesus. Walk into work. Thank you Jesus.

God notices the one who says it, God notices the nine who don’t.

-Binu