Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:15-18)

I prayed, as usual, as I drove to my monthly piano lesson. Part of my prayer, as always, was thanksgiving for music, my teacher, and the resources to study piano. On this day, it suddenly occurred to me to thank God for my childhood musical education. When I started piano at age 50, I already had an excellent foundation in music because I played flute all through school. I realized I had never thanked God for my flute, my flute teachers, and my experiences in band. 
 
Is it ever too late to thank God for a blessing? You parents, suppose your adult child came to you and said, “I know I never thanked you for attending every one of my football games, but I thank you now,” or “I was angry and embarrassed when you made me return a stolen candy bar way back when, but I want to thank you now for that lesson.” Would you say, “It doesn’t matter anymore.”  Or would you rejoice?
 
Ten lepers were healed by Jesus and went away. But one returned to thank Jesus. I want to be like that one, don’t you? Take time over this Thanksgiving holiday to review your past, recalling blessings for which you have never thanked God. Remember, and return to thank Him now.
 
Here are more suggested prayer topics for this Thanksgiving week:

• Lift up our Thanksgiving Eve service.
• Pray for safety for the many people traveling this week. Pray that travelers will trust the providence of God if events and circumstances disrupt their plans.
• Pray for healing of any strains and hurts in families as they gather. The recent presidential election may be a sore spot in some families.
• Pray for the opportunity to ask someone not only, “What are you thankful for?” but also, “To whom are you thankful?”
• Ask God to show you a lonely person to invite to your family’s Thanksgiving feast.
• Pray that elderly family members will feel valued and cared for.
• Pray that the Lord will be honored in all of our Thanksgiving celebrations

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea