Gratitude Opens the Heart to Joy

Luke 17:15-19
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

The beautiful thing about gratitude—it leads to joy.

As a writer, I embrace words. I have favorites and some I'd rather not hear or read. In the novel I'm writing, I search for the perfect words to express the characters actions and emotions. When I edit, I remove unnecessary words and rewrite the scene.

As many writers do, I've asked God to give me a word for the year.

In 2020, God gifted me with "Be Brave." He basically told me not to fear. In 2020, fear tossed me on my head at times. Yet, I clung to Him and the words he gave me. When anxiety reared its ugly head (which happened more often than I care to share) I called on the Lord for courage.

Now we are waltzing into 2021, praying for a better year. As I asked God for my word, the one I'd focus on for 365 days, He whispered "Gratitude." The Oxford Dictionary defines gratitude as "the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness." I love that returning kindness is part of gratitude.

In Luke 17, Jesus healed ten lepers. He sent them to see the priest and as soon as they stepped away from Jesus, the leprosy left them. As it turns out, only one returned to thank him. And he was a Samaritan, a group of people regarded as lowly and unworthy. That man's heart overflowed with appreciation toward the one who healed him. He could finally live without ridicule and shunning. The Samaritan, low man in society, poured a grateful kindness over the one who gave him his life back. He showed gratitude to Jesus with joy in his heart.

When I imagine being sick for years and despised by most people, and through love and compassion Jesus released me and restored my life; I wonder, would I be like the nine ungrateful men or the one who poured joy over Jesus.

As the New Year rings in, embrace gratitude, show appreciation and return kindness.

Celebrity Jesus

Mark 1:40-45
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Children's author & illustrator Kevin Henkes and me

When I think of the word celebrity, movie stars, authors, and athletes come to mind. I've stood in line for an hour or more to get an autographed book from a prominent author. My husband and I have attended Reds Fest and moved through crowds to gather names and photos with players. And oh the craziness that surrounds television and movie celebs. Why do we do it? My honest response--I'm not sure. I love children's books and meeting the authors who write and illustrate them. I can say I've met them and maybe that gives me a bit more authority on the subject. I enjoy baseball and meeting the players, it's fun.

I don't know if paparazzi followed him, but in Jesus day he was a celebrity. We read where he was hated by the Pharisees and many others in authority. Yet when he was among the people, he was chased down by the crowds. In Mark when Jesus healed the leper he gave him specific instructions: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone... ” Did the leper listen? Nope. He went and told everyone he saw about Jesus. Why did they chase Jesus? Because he healed. He loved. He taught. Jesus offered new life. They had excellent reasons for seeking out the Savior. As a follower of Jesus, I strive to chase him every day. He's my hope. He heals. He loves. He's the "star" I follow. The one I celebrate!