When our son, Nathan, was younger I used to read a book to him that told the true story of Jesus healing 10 lepers. It had realistic illustrations, and the account was told in such a way that it always held Nathan’s interest. But the segment of the story that Nathan could never quite understand was at the end. Jesus healed all 10 lepers, but only 1 returned to thank him for the healing. Nathan always had a reaction about this…and just couldn’t wrap his young and growing brain/heart how only one man could return to give thanks and praise to Jesus. Of course, Jesus had the same reaction.
Teaching Nathan to be grateful was important to me. For him to consistently thank peers, adults and especially God/Jesus for blessings and kindness. In my estimation, I would’ve considered myself a grateful person – and one who tried to be thankful.
Recently, God showed me otherwise.
A month ago, my husband and I returned from an extended trip we took out of the country for our 35th wedding anniversary.
I’m not sure if it was our location or just the fact that we were walking everywhere. We took trains and a tram a few times, and a taxi when the distance was too far, but most of the time we walked and walked and walked. Usually, we are game to navigate the subway, but in the countries where we were that wasn’t really needed. Both of us usually get numerous steps in when we’re at home, but on this excursion, we definitely walked much more than normal.
Again, I’m not sure if it was because we were walking and exposed to more people…or if it was where we were. But I penned these words after watching people and being aware in two different countries.
I see them, Lord.
The man on the train who is limping; what a chore it is for him to get from point A to point B. Does it hurt him just to walk? I’m sure just walking a short distance is a challenge for him. Oh, what I take for granted.
That boy who has some major infirmary with his leg. It’s obvious he has to be in pain when he walks. What could’ve happened to him? Was he born that way or had a major accident?
I see her, Lord.
The lady who must use a cane and listen intently to the sounds around her so she doesn’t step out in traffic.
As I try not to stare, I can’t help but wonder, “What has left her in this condition? Was she born blind? Was it a disease that impaired her sight?”
As I watch her, I think she will never gaze into another’s brown, blue, hazel or black eyes and see beauty, pain, hurt or love.
She will never see a glorious sunrise or watch a red cardinal fly by.
She will never see the wonder in a child’s face or experience the look of pride on a parent’s face or see a rainbow or mountain.
She will never look into her lover’s eyes and see affection and true love.
Thank you, Lord, that I have two normal legs and can walk correctly without being in pain or having to limp. Thank you, Lord, for good health that allows me to walk long distances.
Thank you, Lord that I can see – the blue sky, white clouds, green trees, various colors and varieties of flowers, the fluffy tail of a squirrel, the gracefulness of a deer, the smile on a baby’s face, the features on my husband.
Dear Father, forgive me when I’m not grateful. Forgive me when I don’t pause to thank you. Help me not to take the gift of sight or any gift from you for granted. Please help me have a heart that’s quick to thank you and not complain.
Just seeing so many on our walks and adventures that struggled to do basic things, such as seeing or walking, made me realize that I thank God for answers to prayer and for other things, but I don’t thank Him near enough for my health, for having all 5 senses and even my salvation near enough.
I am humbled and thankful that the Holy Spirit points these weaknesses out in my life and convicts me…and helps me change. I so want to be like the one leper who took time to thank His Healer! How about you?
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