Expression of gratitude

Luke 17:11-19
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? "Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."

Have you ever received an anonymous gift?  I remember coming home one day to find a package on my doorstep that had no gift card.  It was a delightful surprise, but it was actually a bit agitating.  My gratitude was significant, but it had no direction -- Somehow that felt incomplete... unresolved... like when music ends on a half cadence, leaving the listener to wonder what happened to the note that might end the phrase.

When I reflect upon the abundance of healing, safety, growth, renewal that are given so freely by God each day I am moved to an unshakeable attitude of gratitude.  I know that these blessings are not a matter of "luck".  I know the source of  "goods".   All good things are an expression of God's desire for all.   

How can I be so certain of that?  Faith. 

My faith speaks to me of God's healing touch...sometimes a soft caress, sometimes a deep massage that releases toxic emotions...sometimes the guidance to wisdom, which feels like a confident hand at the small of my back during a waltz.

I begin each day with gratitude....  and a prayer that I be emptied of whatever would obscure my appreciation of God's healing presence.  At any given moment I might be in the presence of some aspect of the "ill" of the world.  My faith innoculates me, in a sense, building up my strength and resilience. 

Yes!  Faith makes me well...and faith compels me to give thanks.  I hear Jesus say:  Get up and go on your way....
 you too....
Have a blessed day!