Among the unforgettable Bible stories I enjoyed in boyhood Sunday School were the parables – simple stories in the Gospels that offer moral and spiritual lessons.
Among these parables our Sunday School teacher shared was the account of the miraculous healing by Jesus if the 10 lepers.
The lepers’ story in Luke 18 shows that only one of the 10 healed returned – after they were told by Jesus to show their restored health and cleansed bodies to the priests – to praise, throw himself at His feet and thank Him for what He has done.
Commentaries on the miracle indicate the disappointment of Jesus not because nine of the lepers disregarded his healing act but rather because they did not give praise to God.
The story reverberated in mind as the global community observes World Gratitude Day on Sept.21. The day promotes the need to demonstrate gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness or appreciation of a benefit one has received.
It reminds us of doing that simple gesture which has been deeply rooted in moral philosophies and professions of faith.
Gratitude isn’t only a moral practice. It is also cultural as reflected in our ‘utang na loob’ trait which is shown in our appreciation of debt of gratitude anchored in generosity and reciprocity.
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At one time, or the other, we had been remiss in manifesting it for a number of reasons – like forgetfulness, busyness and even high regard of what we can accomplish that we tend to relegate the contribution of others in our growth and development or even our bloated self-concept.
It’s a good thing that we have this annual occasion reminding us to be grateful.
We should know better, of course, that we can do it spontaneously on any day we feel blessed, instead of waiting for this annual observance.
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Why express gratitude? What benefits do we get for being grateful?
Cicero, the philosopher, said “Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues but the parent of all others.”
My readings show that among the benefits and values reflected in one’s expression of gratitude are:
• Practicing gratitude, according to UCLA Health, not only shows good manners, but when done for 15 minutes a day in five days of the week for at least six weeks, it can enhance mental wellness and promote a lasting change in one’s perspective.
• It also relieves stress as it brings positive thoughts to one’s mind. At the same time, it improve one’s sleep as one is able to stalk stress, anxiety or depression while feeling grateful.
• At least four benefits were reported by UC Berkeley studies: it unshackles people from toxic emotions, it helps even when unshared, brings lasting benefits and also results in positive psychological behavior.
Harvard study results reiterate these benefits as they show that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness as it helps people to feel more positive emotions, “relish good experiences” and improve their health amidst adversity while also building strong relationships.
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In celebration of World Gratitude Day, allow me to share a devotional reflection, a timely message I got from my email courtesy of Our Daily Verse, a Denmark -based online Christian platform inspired by Mark 12:30 (“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and will all your strength.”).
The Christ-centered devotional reads:
“In our pursuit of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we may find ourselves wondering where to begin.
“The answer lies in a simple yet transformative practice: gratitude. Gratitude is the spark that ignites a deep, abiding love for God. It’s the lens through which we begin to see His hand in every aspect of our lives.
“When we cultivate a grateful heart, we train our eyes to see the countless ways God is moving, providing, and caring for us. Each whispered ‘Thank You’ becomes a seed of love, planted in the fertile soil of our hearts.
“As we water these seeds with consistent acknowledgment of God’s goodness, they grow into a lush garden of adoration and devotion.
“Through the practice of gratitude, we discover that loving God with our entire being isn’t a distant, abstract concept. It’s a natural outpouring of a heart that recognizes the depth and breadth of His love for us.
“Today, embrace gratitude as your pathway to a deeper, more intimate love for God. Let each thankful thought and word draw you closer to the heart of the One who loves you beyond measure.”
Thank you, Lord!
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Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (I Thessalonians 5:18) | NWI
