Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We are taught from childhood to say thank you when we are given something or helped in some way. Yet having thanked someone once for a kindness shown us does not release us from responsibility to express our gratitude again for future kind acts. Even so, we often forget to thank family and friends for their help, concern, affection, and attention, or for a tasty meal and a tender embrace.  We sometimes behave in a similar way toward God. In the Bible story. about the ten lepers healed by Jesus, only one thanks his Healer. The other nine healings go unacknowledged. Perhaps that percentage applies to us. Maybe we forget nine times out of ten to notice and give thanks for the gifts of love in our lives. I can imagine Jesus standing before me, saying, “You have thanked me for one miracle, for one answer to your prayers. But what about the other times?” 

I don’t want to take my blessings for granted. I want to have a sensitive and grateful heart; I want the people around me to know and hear that I value their part in my life, each small kindness that they show me. And I want to remember to thank God, too, for each good gift in my life. Each day we can pray to live with gratitude. 

Lord Jesus, forgive us when we do not thank you for answering our prayers. Open our eyes to see your gifts when they come to us. Amen.