Awareness, Gratitude, Wellness
Did you notice the healing of the one? Ten lepers were healed; one returned with gratitude for the one who healed him. When Jesus recognized the gratitude of the one, he said, "Your faith has made you well." Interesting, since Jesus had already healed him. Ten men were healed of their leprosy. Only one was "made well" by his faith. It highlights how important gratitude is for our whole wellness of body, mind, and spirit.
Gratitude is not a reaction. It is proactive (or not). It is a practice that needs to be, well, practiced. We have to work first at noticing the things in our lives for which we can be grateful. Awareness is hard sometimes. When I'm buried under bills and running through my schedule, it's easy only to notice what isn't going well. But when I take the time and effort to become aware of the accomplishments, the relationships, the moments - then gratitude becomes easier to achieve. After awareness is the act of thanking. First, thanking God for God's role in it all. Then, thanking those involved in making the moments wonderful. Sometimes the act of thanking is verbal. Other times gratitude can come in the form of a hug, a card, a service, or simply presence. Interestingly, when I take the time and effort to become aware and then to express my gratitude, the blessings of a grateful life do return, and whole body, mind, and spirit wellness finds me.
Narrative Lectionary Text: Luke 17:11-19
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”