"The Thankful One"

     One characteristic of mankind, is that, when it comes to expressing thanks, we all fall short.  Oh yes, there are times that we tell people thanks, but so often, those times are only in times of great need or distress.  During those times of our lives, we are in more of a frame of mind to give our thanks to people who have given us support, whether mentally or physically.  I am not saying that we should not give thanks during these times, of course we should, but I want to encourage all of us to be in a thankful "mood" at all times.  Paul said to the Thessalonians: "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

     God wants us to be a thankful people.  Whenever we are not appreciative for the blessings bestowed upon us by God, or by our parents, friends, etc., we become callous to them.  We begin to take things for granted, and always expect everything to be handed to us on a silver platter.  Some call this being "spoiled." 

     I am convinced that if we learn the secret of being thankful at all times, then we will be able to understand more about the concept of "grace" and the idea of "giving."  When we show our appreciation for God's grace upon us, we realize not only the magnitude of His grace, but we realize the unworthiness of of our lives.  This will prompt us to show our thankfulness by the way we give.  We will be willing to give our lives to people in special ways.  We enjoy the thanks that we receive whenever we give to others.  Appreciation is so important for our life.

     In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus encountered ten lepers between Samaria and Galilee.  Jesus had mercy on them ad cleansed them of this terrible disease; but after this wonderful blessing, only one came back to Jesus to give Jesus thanks.  It seems rather ironic that this one was a Samaritan.  He was cleansed just like the other nine, but he had a quality of life that made him choice in the eyes of Jesus.  Of what group would we be included in . . . the one or the nine?

     Take time to give thanks for everything. Make it a natural part of your life to show your appreciation.  You will see a difference in your life!

-Gareth Flanary (Uniontown bulletin December 4, 1983)