Turning Back

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19 

I often forget things as I am getting ready to go out the door and have to turn back so I don't leave the item behind. It makes me mad with myself when I forget something. It also hurts when I have forgotten to say something to someone, especially it we can talk no longer. Whether, in this season of Thanksgiving, we need to turn back to ask forgiveness or to forgive, to listen to another or say words of hope, whatever it is, it is good to turn back and complete the healing.

Jesus healed a group of people suffering from leprosy. They were shunned and excluded from society and family. Their healing meant they could be with their loved ones again, to touch and be touched by their families. One only turned back to give thanks while the others ran with joy to finally be reunited with spouses and children.  The one, a mortal enemy of Jesus' people, returned and heard words of hope and countless possibilities. We are invited in the coming days to turn, to linger and to wallow in the blessings we have received. As we give thanks, we can be blessed again with new hope and new joy.

Today, I ask God to help me take the time to turn and give thanks for the countless blessings in my life. May we remember to turn, to forgive and ask forgiveness, in this season of Thanksgiving, sharing our new hope and joy with the world.