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 men with a skin disease 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’s feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? So where are the other nine? Did none of them return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19 (NRSUVE)
When I was in my second, and going into my third year of college, I got really sick. During this time, I went to specialists and allergists on top of my other doctor appointments to try and figure out what was wrong with me. I had never felt so helpless in my life, and never felt so angry. Why now? Why me? It ruined my social life, my school life and how I envisioned how my life would play out. There were many days where I felt so sick I didn’t even want to get out of bed.
This led to an odd set of cause and effect. I learned about Southwood in a seemingly random set of circumstances. One of my friends worked here, and all I planned to do was drop off something for her. That led to learning about an opening here at Southwood, which led to a job. This also led to me somehow miraculously getting better. Since then, I have been here over three years, and I have truly never been better.
Now, this isn’t to say that it hasn't been a long road, but I can say without a doubt I would not choose anything different if this happened again. It humbled me, and brought me back into a moment when all I could do was trust in God. To take a moment is the least I could do to praise God, like the man who looked back praising God. If you have just a moment today, close your eyes and just breathe. Ground yourself in thanks, and just be with God in peace.
Questions for Reflection:
- How can we be thankful for the things God has given us?
- What would it take for you to lay yourself before Jesus in thanks?
Prayer:
Dear God,
Let us trust in your plan,
And be used so you may be realized.
Let us kneel before you,
And be in peace.
Thank you Lord
Amen
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