Confession #204: A Little Thanks Goes A Long Way

A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way | Naima Lett



I love this time of the year. Christmas music is in the air. Decorations are going up.
But before we break into full Yuletide stride, we have this entire day dedicated to giving thanks.

Yes, Thanksgiving!
A day for family, friends, food, football & fun!
Also, a day of remembering our blessings and a chance to say “Thank you!”

Truly, a little thanks goes a long way!

There’s a fascinating story in Luke 17:11-19 where Jesus heals ten lepers and one of them returns to say, “Thank you!”

The writer Luke includes a very curious fact about that ONE appreciative leper: he was a Samaritan. Jesus even says, “…Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”

In our 21st century context, this doesn’t seem odd. But in the 1st century, a time when Jews and Samaritans did NOT get along, this would have been beyond bizarre. First of all, for Jesus, referred to by most as Rabboni (Rabbi means teacher) to even risk being made ‘unclean’ to heal lepers was unheard of.
But to heal a Samaritan? Are you kidding?!!!
And then for the Samaritan to come back to the Rabbi, praising and thanking God?! GET OUT!!!
This would’ve gotten more splash on TMZ than kim kardashian’s 72 day nuptials & divorce. It would have been SHOCKING!!!!

But that did not stop Jesus from healing. And that did not stop the Samaritan leper from thanking. Neither of them allowed the culture’s prejudices or taboos to arrest them.

Jesus ends their encounter by telling the EX-leper that his faith made him whole. Imagine that! A man, who has been an outcast for Lord knows how long, now is completely healed, and can finally return to society. His gracious “Thank you” has been recorded in history and we are still learning from him some 2,000 years later.

His little ‘thank you’ went a long way!

What about us?
Of course, we’re not saying ‘thanks’ in order to be recognized. It’s quite the opposite. We’re thanking to recognize the graciousness of others.

On this Thanksgiving, I’m reminded to simply take the time to say, “Thank you”.
I may not have been a leper, but I’ve certainly had my share of ups and downs the Lord has blessed me to survive. This year alone has been beautiful and challenging and exhilarating! I am just grateful for another day. Straight up.

I am also grateful for all of my family and friends who love, support and pray for us. Life is so much better with you. Thank you for surrounding and lifting us.
I have so much to be grateful for. I really do.
THANK YOU.
And have a beautiful and happy Thanksgiving!

“So Much To Be Grateful For” by Calvin Bridges

Naima Lett

Naima loves bringing stories to life, believes everyone should find a reason to dance daily, and savors every bite of her grandmother's bread pudding & sweet potato pie.

• Sara Brooks November 24, 2011 at 11:25 am

  Dear Naima~ Hope you are having a Wonderfully Blessed Thanksgiving Day!! I really enjoyed the scripture teaching you posted today, your illustrations were unique, and from a great perspective…Thanks for posting an enjoyable story…Always Thankful for Jesus!! Love and Blessings to You and Your Family~sara

  • Naima Lett November 24, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Hi Sara! Thanks a million! Glad you enjoyed. Happy Happy to you too.
• Freddie November 24, 2011 at 11:36 am

  Well written, Naima.
  Freddie

  • Naima Lett November 24, 2011 at 11:46 am

    Thanks Daddy
• Baleeia November 25, 2011 at 11:37 am

  Hi Naima!

  Beautiful story from a beautiful I have loved since I met you at the NY Conference MANY years ago. I love watching your star RISE while you keep your feet deeply planted in good soil. Waiting on the book.

  Happy Thanksgiving!