In today’s Gospel, Jesus encounters ten people suffering from a skin disease that ousted them from their community. They heard that Jesus could heal them but instead, Jesus sent them off on their way. It wasn’t until they went down the road that they realized that Jesus had already healed them of this disease. Yet, only one of them turned back to joyfully thank Jesus, while the other 9 rushed to get their documentation so they would be allowed to return to their lives.
One of the first lessons in life that I learned was to say “Thank You”, whenever someone does something nice for me. God gives me great things in my life every day. Every blessing that I have and every breath that I take, comes from Him. I certainly live my life with abundance. So, I make a conscious effort to be grateful to God in my daily prayers.
All would probably agree that it is very nice when we are thanked for things we’ve done for another. For, like you, when I am taken for granted, without a word of appreciation, it is hurtful. For me, I do my best thinking and praying when I’m outdoors…riding a bike…kayaking…skiing…walking. Autumn is absolutely my favorite time of year. I feel most alive with the crisp air surrounded by the beautiful fall foliage. It is easy to have prayers of gratitude.
Yet, a few months ago, someone close to me had a miscarriage. It was heart-wrenching and heartbreaking. For the first time in many, many years, I found myself very angry with God. Why would God allow her to get pregnant only to steal her hopes and dreams months later? Honestly, I still have no answers. Yet, I prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed. For I know that “thy will be done,” and my faith tells me that God answers prayers, even if not precisely in the way I hoped for. I heard all of the answers…maybe the baby would’ve had some problems if born…and so on. It was difficult to believe that God grants only what is for our good. Yet, we all opened our hearts to prayer to whatever God wants, which is sure to be the best for us in the long run. And, miraculously, the healing has begun… Thank you, God!