Parenting by Design - August 7

Gratitude for Blessings

Luke 17:12-19:  "As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They … called out …, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"  When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were cleansed.  One of them … came back, praising God ...  Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well'" (NIV).

Reading this story, we are tempted to judge the "ungrateful nine".  But, how often do we take our own blessings for granted and fail to thank the Lord?  "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men" (Ps 107:15).  Many times, we enjoy the gifts but forget to thank the Giver.  We are quick to pray in times of trouble, but slow to praise when things are going great.

Be consistent in turning to God in both trial and triumph.  Show your kids a grateful heart and an understanding of the Source of all good things (James 1:17).