Two Simple Words

Earlier this week we opened our new mailbox to find a Christmas card from a close family member. With money inside! As soon as I opened it, I thought, "I need to thank her and let her know we received this." But, of course, I didn't. Even after the check was deposited and the card displayed I would see it and be reminded, but never followed through. A few days later, she carefully asked if we had gotten it, and I sheepishly admitted we had. It turns out, she sent FOUR such cards out to various family members, and heard back from...none.

That same day, I was inspired to write encouraging notes to my kids. Sweet thoughts of praise, how I'm praying for them, a Bible verse just for them. As they were waking up I planted them strategically for them to find as they started their day. A few hours went by, and I was pretty sure all SIX of them had found and read their notes, and I heard back from....none.

Thinking on these incidents this morning I was reminded of that time that Jesus encountered a group of diseased men along the road. (Luke 17:11-19). They called out for mercy, and as soon as they obeyed Jesus' instructions they were healed of their embarrassing, debilitating, leprosy. TEN of them were healed, and Jesus heard back from.... ONE. 

Apparently the average for remembering to thank someone is one in ten. I tend to think of myself as a thankful person, but today I've been wondering, how often do I neglect telling Jesus "thank you"? Statistically speaking, I'm much more likely to be one of the nine. 
How many "little notes" do I ungratefully look over during each day? The little moments of encouragement, joy, and blessing that God puts in my life aren't accidents or coincidences. They are thoughtful gifts to me from Him, and I know he deserves to be thanked for them, and I'm pretty sure he'd enjoy hearing from me regarding them!

Not only do we live with the little blessings that can easily be missed if we're feeling entitled or simply aren't paying attention, we are living every day under the tremendous gift of God's forgiveness, mercy, and grace. 
Christmas is such a beautiful reminder of the sacrifices of Jesus. 

Philippians tells us he didn't selfishly hang on to his equality with God in heaven, but instead he emptied himself and became a servant in human form, for our us.  (Philippians 2:6-7)
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9.

And this all leading to the ultimate sacrifice, the giving of his life to pay for our rebellion. 
Because of all He did and has done, I get to live every day under the amazing gift of grace, but how easy it is to get too used to that, and live without thankfulness. 
So today I am reminded to not only BE thankful, but to SAY 'thank you' for the little things..... and the big things God gives in his goodness. There really is no excuse not to!