REMEMBER to say Thank You
By: Maxine M.

Luke tells us of 10 lepers who begged Jesus for mercy one day
He told them “GO!! Show yourselves to the priests” and they were CURED as they went to obey
But only ONE came back to say THANK YOU…the others just went on their way

Now, we think, HOW RUDE!! What a thoughtless thing to do!
But, how many times are we blessed and forget to say thank you
We acknowledge a kind act from a friend, neighbor or loved one, its true

BUT, when it comes to the “Giver of all Good Gifts”, are we as appreciative as we should be?
Thank Him for living (at least for now) in a land that is free
And for the wonders of His enormous created world that we all can daily see?

Even in the midst of the man-made rubble & disorder…all the messes WE make
His goodness and perfection still can be seen in a snow-capped mountain and shimmering lake
Seen on that star-studded night when, for some reason, we’re still awake

Is the first thought at a baby’s birth “THANK YOU” for this miraculous event?
Thankful you were counted worthy…so that from HIM, children & grandchildren were sent
OR, if it’s other’s children we’re MEANT to INFLUENCE…joy and thanksgiving we should vent

Do we still feel grateful at our financial report…wondering where all the money went?
Or does ANGER come, trying to comprehend all the BILLIONS the government has spent?
But doesn’t all REAL wealth come from HIM? “Trust Me in this” is what He meant

Do we say “Thank You, Lord” now that gas prices have fallen a bit?
Remember to APPRECIATE even our DAILY ROUTINE & the accomplishments it will permit?
Rejoice for THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE?…all under His control, we must admit

Even the “struggles” in the LONG TERM can be seen as a gift from His hand
They SHARPEN our senses…clearly define our need to follow His command
Struggles take you to places you never thought you could go…our horizons expand

Now, we know we need to thank Him for His gifts, answered prayers and all needs met
But have you simply offered thanksgiving for WHO HE IS yet?
Thank Him for being our Father, the Faithful Just Judge, and Rescuer from sin’s deadly net?

Creator, Protector, Counselor, Sustainer, the ONE who speaks and it’s done
Encourager, Enabler, the ONE who helps us overcome
Defeater of Satan & his demons…for one day, to HIM, they MUST succumb

Now the giving of THANKS should come easily & readily from our lips every day
In spite of the circumstances we encounter along the way
But also thank Him for His very BEING...LORD of our Lives, to Whom we can always pray

So celebrate this Thanksgiving Day with great enthusiasm & zest
Knowing you’ll be happier…live life to its best
Having a Grateful Spirit at just how much your life HAS been blest!