Luke 17:11-19
Most of us have grown up with at least having some manners; so when we are given something, we usually say “Thank you” – but do we really contemplate our response. Are we giving a whole hearted “thank you” response or are we just going off of protocol or of the awkwardness if we would say nothing at all? A real thanks begins with recognizing that we are in need. I can remember hearing a story years ago when a lady was helping serve in a soup kitchen. After she would ladle some soup into each person’s bowl, she would receive the common protocol “thank you”; however, this frail looking older lady stepped up in line and when she was given the soup by this lady, she reached out and touched the lady’s hand. With tears in her eyes she said, “Thank you so much; this is the first thing I ate in two days”. That tender moment became a blessing to this lady that she will not miss a day working at the soup kitchen. Many times we get caught up in the protocol of manners and we truly miss the blessing of being really thankful for what we are given. Next week is Thanksgiving and I pray that we all skip the “protocol thanks” and give true whole hearted thanks to our Lord and Savior for all that He did and does for you. After all He loved us first. God Loves Ya;)
