What about the 9

Occasionally when given the opportunity to speak to christian groups about my journey living with congenital heart disease I share a scripture from the book of Luke that says, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God." (St. Luke 17:15)

The beautiful expression of gratitude comes from the story about the ten lepers who asked Jesus to have mercy on them. The Lord told them to go show themselves to the priests and they would be healed. "And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed."

Shortly thereafter, one of the lepers returned and knelt down at the feet of Jesus thanking Him for his kindness. The Lord asks, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." Jesus says to the healed leper, "Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

Artwork: Sketch by Rembrandt van Rijn

Since the Lord healed me I've thought deeply about these 10 lepers.

I am inspired by the man who returned and praised God, falling at his feet with tears of gratitude. But, what about the nine? What is their story?

May I suggest a perspective worth considering.

Could it be possible that a few of these nine were so astonished at the miracle and overcome with joy they could not come up with the right way to thank Jesus or it was too late?

Could some may have desperately tried to find a way to return and thank him but Christ had left the city?

Maybe they were discouraged by the mobs of people who surrounded the Savior and couldn't make it through the crowd.

Or did they feel ashamed because of their sins and own insecurities.

Or maybe it is true, they were ungrateful at the miracle. I doubt it.

Often, I feel like one of the nine lepers and I believe I still under-estimate the kind and loving Jesus who wants us to approach Him.

Still, can any of us truly thank God for what he has done in allowing us to have this mortal experience? How do I thank him for Eden or Lynnette? How do I give Him what He has given me?

Shortly after I had my third open heart surgery I put a quote from Carolyn Pearson near the ceiling of my room so I could always read it. She penned the lyric "And if I serve Him, with every moment that I live, with all the love I have to give, still I would be in His debt forever."

It's my hope that our lives will be our display of gratitude for our kind and loving God.