Noticing What Truly Matters

Close your eyes and think. Think about one thing that you are the Most thankful for. Now imagine that that thing, whatever or whoever it may be, was taken from you. How would you feel? There is a story I want to share with you that relates to how we can take for granted what we are thankful for. Sometimes we need to stay focused in the present and the precious time that we have, instead of looking toward the future.

Jesus Heals 10 Men with Leprosy-   

  “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? Has no one returned to 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

This story shows us that we need to be thankful for what we have now and not to imagine us being different. For instance, let’s say there is this woman named Annie and a man named Joe. Annie and Joe are riding in Joe’s car and talking about how their live’s have been. You see, they haven’t seen each other in over a year and are catching up. Joe (who is driving) sees a woman in the rearview mirror who seems to have a disease. So, he shows Annie who then laughs at her and is making jokes. Joe, who had decided to become a follower of Jesus during the time he and Annie had been apart was shocked from her reaction. He remembered how Annie didn’t mind saying or acting however she wanted to in front of others, but thought that she may have changed since then.

Joe, being the refreshed new man he now is, said, “Annie! I am so surprised. I thought you were better than that. Imagine if you were that woman. Imagine how many times you would have to hold your head high and stay positive while people are staring and whispering to others about you. Imagine how much that sweet lady must go through. Be thankful for how much you have been blessed with. For what God has blessed you with.” Annie just sits there thinking about her actions and how much that woman really must go through every single day. After thinking for a while she finally says, “Joe, I am so sorry for that. I know better than to make fun of others. I have been thinking about how I could be that woman. I truly apologize for my actions. Can you forgive me?”

Joe senses the meaning behind Annie’s apology and replies to her saying, “Of course I can forgive you, but you shouldn’t be apologizing to me. Apologize to God. You do know much better than to use your time judging others. Thinking about how you could be that woman isn’t the point. Stay focused in who you are now and not who you could be. Can I ask you something?” “Sure”, says Annie. Joe quickly says, “I want to pray over you. Close your eyes and bow your head.”

So, Joe prays over Annie and she feels a complete peace come over her. She wonders how that happened and explains what she felt to Joe. He then tells her, “Annie. You just experienced the peace of God. How did it feel?” “It felt amazing. How can God have that kind over power?” says Annie. Joe explains how Jesus can create miracles and he tells her the story from above (Jesus Heals 10 Men with Leprosy). Annie reveals to Joe that she wants to learn more about God. Three months later, she becomes a Christian and learns the true meaning of being thankful for what she has.

Bible Verse of the Day:

“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” -1 Chronicles 29:13  

xoxo

Madison