It was April 26th and Johnny had just been invited to a teen party at Terry's house. Apparently a party at Terry's house was a monthly event, and this one was the fourth one this year. Terry's parents often threw these parties so that they could ge
t to know all of Terry's friends and make sure he was hanging out with good people. This was a first for Johnny since he had just recently moved into town and had just gotten to know Terry and some of the other kids he hung out with in school. On the evening of the party, there was loud music, lots of food and sodas and plenty of people. Johnny was served his food by Terry's parents and after he thanked them he went into the living room and mingled a bit. Johnny enjoyed getting to know new people and was glad Terry invited him. As he left that evening, he thanked Terry and his parents for inviting him to come and what a wonderful time he had while he was there. Later on when the party had died down and everyone had gone - Terry's mom asked about Johnny. Terry wondered what made Johnny stand out. Terry's mom told him that of all the kids at the party - even the ones who came frequently, that he was the only one who thanked them - including their own son. Thankfulness is something we are required to have as Christians. Yet many of us lack the ability to do so. The Bible is very specific in mentioning that it was the Samaritan who came back to thank Jesus for healing him of the leprosy. Samaritans were the outcasts, the strangers in this town - they didn't mingle with the Jews, and yet - it was a Samaritan that came back to thank Jesus. He came back loud and quick.
Johnny stood out because he was thankful when nobody else had been. The Samaritan stood out because he was thankful when nobody else would be. Do we stand out because we are thankful even when no one else is willing to say it? Are we quick with our appreciation or do we tend to wait until it's convenient for us? Are we truly thankful in all things? Can we see what Jesus is doing in our lives and show Him our gratitude by saying a prayer of thanks? It's so much nicer when we personally talk to Jesus and tell Him, "Thank you".
3 comments:
Thanks to you for reminding me of the power of my simple thank you. Years ago I was better in writing notes of thanks. What always amazed me was learning from different people, famous and peers, that usually I was the only one who had spoken or written a thank you.
I guess some things never change do they...thousand of years later.
I'm committing to do better. You are my iron against iron to help me in this spiritual journey. God bless you.
Thank you Dorothy for such a wonderful Blog. I look forward to reading it each day.
We have tried to teach our children to be thankful and say thank you when someone does something for them. The only problem is that when they do it in school, the other children make fun of them for being polite. What is wrong with these parents who don't teach their children to be nice?
Give thanks to the Lord, our God & King, his love endures forever!
Yes, we should be thankful in all things, and I love it when polite children say thanks - and hope mine do too!
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