One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. (Luke 17:15)
IT WAS ONE OF THOSE moments for which you can’t prepare. Somehow, the family sat, surrounded by tension. In the weeks since the funeral, this appointment had loomed, along with many feelings of rivalry and angst. How did it get like this?
Their weary father came in and sat, accompanied by the lawyer. Grief had worn wrinkles across the father’s brow that seemed to deepen as he surveyed his children who eagerly awaited prized possessions.
In a flash, it was over. But not before feathers were ruffled and angry words were hurled into the air. Armed with the proof of what each one had “rightfully” earned from the wealthy patriarch, most left, barely looking at their father. But the youngest held back, aware of the magnitude of what had just happened.
Draping his arm across his father’s hunched shoulder, tears trickled down his cheek. “Dad. I’m so sorry for this. I’m so sorry for seeing today as an opportunity for my own gain, and not as a day to comfort you. I’m so grateful to you for how you’ve loved us and cared for us when we just haven’t deserved it. I can’t thank you enough for how you have provided over and over again.”
Many people will never look back when something good happens. Be the one who returns to God in loud thanksgiving for his immeasurable grace.
Allow God’s unmerited favor to inspire your enthusiastic gratitude.
Elizabeth Rhyno is a wife, mom, and worship leader. Elizabeth chooses to pursue the Lord and trust his plans are perfect at all times.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
