Today I read Luke 17 which mainly has to do with gratitude. This chapter contains the story of the 10 lepers who are healed by the Savior and only 1 of them returns to thank Him, and it is a Samaritan at that. The other 9 went on their way, never returning to thank Jesus for what He had done for them. Jesus also asks the people a hypothetical question. He asks which of them having a servant who waits on them, after the servant has fulfilled all the command that they are given actually thanks him for the job he has performed? I would wager not many.
It can be a surprisingly hard phrase to say, "Thank you", but it shouldn't be. It's just 2 words, no different than "hello there" or "good bye" or any other phrase, yet it is a phrase that is not heard nearly enough these days and from the sound of it, wasn't heard enough in Jesus' time either. What stops us from expressing our genuine gratitude? Usually it is pride or selfishness. Pride does not allow for us to admit that we needed someone else's assistance. Pride does not want to rely on anyone but itself. Some people take great pride in being a "self-made man" or woman. They like to think that they got to where they are all on their own. It's an interesting phenomenon and usually it comes with what I like to call the one up syndrome.
Have you ever met someone that no matter what story you tell, they have a similar story to tell about themselves but it's just a little bit more fantastic than yours was? They never seem to be happy for you or what has happened to you, they are unhappy unless the focus is on them. Such people rarely if ever have gratitude to anyone around them. It's also interesting that our culture takes pride in how much we suffered as children or whatever part of life we have and in overcoming that adversity to be who we are today. I like to just shrug in those situations and mention that I had a very normal life and upbringing and was in no way extraordinary. It is strange that as a culture we are so focused on the negative when instead we should be focusing on the positive in our lives. Perhaps that is why we have such a hard time as a culture with gratitude. When you only focus on the negative, you don't really notice the good in your life and so you may not even recognize that saying "thank you" is called for.
And yet those two little words can make all the difference in the entire world. My wife can be having the worst day for any number of reasons. It typically only takes a hug from me and a genuine thank you for something she has done to turn her whole day around. And there is SO much to be thankful for in this day and age. I don't know what it's like where you live, but this summer in Alabama has been HOT! It is been in the 100's almost daily since May. And boy am I grateful for air conditioning, and swimming pools and refrigeration! But I almost never think to thank Heavenly Father for those things in my prayers because I get too busy. Maybe I should ask Heavenly Father for patience to slow down so I can express my appreciation more for the things that I have.
The scriptures state that against none is God's wrath kindled save those who confess not His hand in all things. That's really strong language! God is only upset with those who are ungrateful is another way of saying that. If that is the case He must be furious with the world right now who half of them seem to not even want to acknowledge His even existence. We as a people need to really work on being more grateful to all of those around us. We can start by saying thank you when it is warranted. Even if it is just to those who are doing what has been asked of them. For example, do you say thank you to your waiter for bringing you your food? Do you thank the tellers at the bank for helping you with your transaction? Do you thank your wife/husband for making dinner? Do you thank your children for doing as they are asked? Start small and start practicing saying thank you. Fortunately it is one of those things that gets easier the more you do it. We need to have an attitude of gratitude in all things and make sure that we teach those around us the proper way to behave so that we can make a difference. Remember, it only takes one snowflake to start an avalanche. It only takes one person to start a change. Until tomorrow.
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