A week without a cell phone, facebook, twitter, television and email... what a restful blessing and gift from God! Student Life Conference was everything I had remembered and hoped for. Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin were anointed by God's hand and delivered to us messages and music that led us to the Throne of God! Between Monday evening and Thursday night we had 20+ hours of worship with 7000 members of the "family". It was amazing!
As I was unpacking last night I had this overwhelming emotion of thankfulness! Why God chose me to lead this student group, at this time in my life I'll never know - but I'm so thankful, grateful, & appreciative!
As I continued unpacking I was reminded of the story from Luke 17:11-19...
11 It happened that as He (Jesus) made His way toward Jerusalem, He crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met Him. They kept their distance 13 but raised their voices, calling out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 Taking a good look at them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." 15 One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. 16 He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough - and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said, "Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? 18 Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you."
As Jesus was traveling these men, who recognize Him, call out - (loudly) for Him to come and have mercy on them. In other words, they knew He could do something for them that they could not do for themselves... be healed! Jesus showed mercy, yet only one turned around, came back and showed his appreciation... and he was an outsider!!! How often do you "call out" for help, from God or others; receive that help yet fail to show your thankfulness?
This morning Ronald and I slept in and went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. (It was really nice to use real fork!) As we were leaving the hostess announced, "Harrison, party of eight - your table is now ready." I was walking out the door and held it open for the group coming in. A rather tall man, took the door and held it for his group. As a young girl walked through she said, "thank you." Then she looked up, realized it was someone from her group and she said, "Why did I say thank you - it's only you." How sad is that?! Why is it that this person she knew didn't deserve a 'thank you' for doing something kind? I'm sure he wasn't holding the door in order to get a thank you - but, probably would have appreciated the grateful words. Again, I thought about the story from Luke. How often do we call out for God's help - get it, then fail to say thank you? How often do we get help from people we know or random strangers and fail to receive it with sincere thankfulness? How often does someone do something that blesses you and your family - yet it seems to go unappreciated? The kind act wasn't done for a thank you - but a sincere thankful word would be encouraging.
In just about every letter Paul wrote, he begins with "thank you".
"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."
Philippians 1:3
"We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God..."
Colossians 1:3
"Timothy, I thank God for you-the God I serve with a clear conscience..."
2 Timothy 1:3
I guess my simple question is - do you live a life of thankfulness? (for big & little things)
When is the last time you thanked someone for a random act of kindness?
When is the last time you thanked a family member or friend for doing something that they didn't have to do?
Most importantly, do you give thanks to God in all situations?
When He shows His grace and mercy - do you recognize it and turn around, fall on your knees and speak your thankfulness? The scripture says the Samaritan (the outsiders) couldn't thank Him enough! Do we as followers have that same outpouring of sincere thankfulness to our Father?
I guess it might just go back to the Golden Rule found in Luke 6:31...
"Do to others as you would like them to do to you."
I thank my "Daddy God" for the blessings He has so graciously pour out for me.
I pray that I will always be alert and recognize what He has done and is currently doing in my life.
Your will. Your way.
I love you "Daddy"!
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