Have you ever felt at least a twinge of resentment when you do a kindness for someone, and no one acknowledges it or says thank you? Conversely, do we ourselves take time to recognize, acknowledge, and express appreciation for others’ acts of kindness? That’s not to say that we should do kindness for the sake of praise; and yet, perhaps there’s some level of need in our hearts to feel appreciated through positive affirmations. While it isn’t difficult to recognize this need in we as humans, whether right or wrong, have you ever stopped to consider that God might want/need this from us as well?

This week I’ve been pondering the account of Jesus healing the 10 lepers, and only one came back to say thank you. This apparently mattered to Jesus, since he made note of it. The 10 lepers had approached Jesus begging him to heal them, which he promptly did. Healed, nine headed on down the road without so much as a thank you. Only ONE came back to Jesus, giving praise to God for his healing, humbly dropping to the ground at Jesus’ feet and thanking him. But then no doubt with a level of disappointment, Jesus seemed to lamentingly comment, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17, TLB).

It can be easy during challenging times to develop a spirit of negativity and ungratefulness, while failing to recognize and acknowledge the positive, good, and kind acts around us. And whether we choose to focus on the positives or on the negatives will greatly impact our attitude and mood. How transforming it can be to take time daily to recognize and acknowledge with thanks all the kind, loving blessings we receive from God and from others.

Especially this Easter and despite the inconveniences and stresses we are experiencing due to COVID-19, let’s take time to raise our hands to the heavens and give thanks to our God and our Savior Jesus Christ for all that He suffered so that by believing in Him, we can have eternal life. And with grateful hearts, may we also express appreciation for those around us as well.

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