Be thankful—and ACT on it!
As we prepare our homes and our tables for Thanksgiving, this simple story can help prepare our hearts as well.
On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, 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 cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
(Luke 17:11-19 ESV)
At a recent staff meeting, one of our leaders shared this story. It’s a great illustration of the importance of being thankful for things that others may take for granted.
To me, it also speaks of the importance of living in the moment. How many times do we scurry on about our business, neglecting the beauty of the moment we are in? Forgetting all we have to be thankful for? Perhaps that is what happened to the other nine men in the story…
The speaker made the point that not only do we need to be thankful; we need to act on it. We were instructed to find at least five people in the room and thank them for something specific. And we couldn’t leave the meeting until we had done this.
People jumped up and started looking for those people who had done something meaningful for them. There was hugging, laughing, and lots of talking. By the end of the meeting, the room was filled with a loving, joyful atmosphere. It was amazing.
So, today, I am asking you to do the same thing. I want you to think about five people you can thank for something specific. These may be family members, friends, coworkers, or volunteers on your team.
And I want you to thank them. Now. Not later. Not around the thanksgiving table, but now. Pick up the phone, get on Facebook, or write a note. Tell them specifically why you are thankful for them (and no, just for “being you” isn’t specific enough). I promise this will get your Thanksgiving weekend off to a phenomenal start…and you’ll have plenty to talk about around the table.
Have a great holiday—and enjoy your family, friends, and the food!
Sue Brage worked in nonprofit marketing and communications for more than nine years before joining Group Publishing as Online Publisher and Editor for Church Volunteer Daily.com. Her experience as a writer, editor, and volunteer coordinator (not to mention wife and mother) gives her a unique perspective and ability to encourage and help leaders. She has a big heart for people and great passion for helping others serve their churches and communities better. Follow Sue on Twitter at @SueB rage and @CVCDaily
