Now What Do You Say?

My sixteen-year-old needed a ride from his brother-in-law and sister the other night. As he headed off, my last words to him were, “Say, ‘thank you’!” Through the years, I’ve observed other parents; universally, we all have the same two prompts when our kids get a gift — “Now, what do you say?” and “Did you remember to say thank you?” I am still doing it.

Sure, I love serving my friends and family, but I feel unappreciated when a simple “thank you” doesn’t follow. That’s when I vacuum to relieve my frustration. We all like to be thanked now and then.

So does God. Just saying.

When we are in need, it is easy to remember to turn to God. “God, I need...” But saying, “God, thank you,” is just as important. So important that when one of the lepers he’d healed returned to thank him,Jesus didn’t say, “You’re welcome” or “My pleasure.” He asked where the other nine who received healing at the same time were. Jesus was making a point to his followers. Be more thankful.

When Jesus healed ten men with leprosy, only one returned to thank him — 10%. I want to remember to be in that 10%. Don’t you?

Jesus removed the leper’s obstacle. Remember, even when he doesn’t remove an obstacle in your life, there is still room for gratitude. Paul said, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Shouldn’t we all be a bit more apt to thank God daily for the things he has provided for us?

God, thank you for moving in my life every day. Forgive me for those times that I forget to pause and thank you. I am grateful for the sacrifices you have made for me. Amen.

Go Deeper — Write down three things you are grateful for, then thank God for them. Try to do it a few times this week. Oh, and at the risk of sounding like a “mom”, try to remember to thank others as well when they do something for you.