Be the Thankful One Percent

With Christmas decorations in stores in September and radio stations playing holiday music on Halloween, Thanksgiving often gets overlooked. How easy is it to breeze through Thanksgiving on our way to the more prominent and festive Christmas holiday? How often do we miss out on giving thanks on this one day, much less the rest of the year?

Very easy.

Very often.

At least for me.

I’m reminded of the story in the Bible of the 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus:

“Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him–and he was a Samaritan.Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-19, NIV)

One man out of 10 came back to give thanks to God. One. That equals ten percent. That one man not only came back, but he praised God in a loud voice, threw himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanked Him.

How often do I do that? How often do I go back to God after fervently praying for something—for healing, for provision, for guidance, for
anything!—and thank Him for answering my desperate prayers?

Well … honestly? Ummm, not often.

Especially if I count on one day a year to give thanks to God—and that one day gets shuffled between trick-or-treating and Santa Claus.

Looks like my attitude needs greatly adjusted by gratitude.

Forgive me, Lord.

This Thanksgiving, let me challenge and encourage you (along with challenging myself) to give thanks, be grateful, show appreciation, and celebrate all the goodness that God has poured upon you! From the tiniest answers to prayers to the greatest of miracles. Don’t just be the one who runs back to Jesus with praise and thanksgiving, but encourage the other 90 percent to rejoice, as well (even Uncle Grumpy whom you are visiting this week!).

Praise God in a loud voice, fall at Jesus’ feet, and give Him thanks!