(Luke 17:11-19)

As Jesus was traveling toward Jerusalem 10 lepers approached him pleading for his help. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they went, they were cured of their disease. Later, only one, a Samaritan, returned in praise and gratitude. Jesus said, “Didn’t I heal them men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except for this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

 

As we move further down our Christian path getting ever further from the wrongs of our past while avoiding the pitfalls of committing more, we often fail to recognize the blessings that we have. Recently a man asked me, “Do you always get what you pray for?” I answered, “Since entering this path I always get what I need which is not always what I want.” He continued to explain that he left the church because he was not given what he asked for. His examples were mostly earthly possessions. I spoke of gratitude for the life and gifts that I have and that my prayer is usually for knowledge of God’s will and the power to carry it out. Additionally, I will pray for God’s power on behalf of others. I pointed out that my focus is not specifically for my benefit. By the end of the conversation I do not think he was all that impressed.

 

I feel fortunate to recognize blessings and that God guides me through this life. For those in recovery, gratitude is vitally important as we try to build a positive life by doing “the next right thing.” God grants me that wisdom for the simple asking and for that, I am eternally grateful.