As each of us celebrated Thanksgiving Day last week uniquely, I’m asking, are you the one?

It’s probably a rhetorical question; nevertheless, I’m asking you to take a moment and be truthful to yourself.

Last Thursday (Thanksgiving morning), as I attended Mass, I was honored to serve as Lector in one of my duties.

The message from the Priest was about the 10 Ten Lepers that Jesus healed, with only one returning to say thank you.  Although I’ve heard and read this particular scripture many times, it resonated with me for today’s message.

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

You and I don’t need to look too far to see how blessed we are if we have air in our lungs to breathe.

Ironically, as the Thanksgiving holiday is over, many now prepare for Christmas and the special meaning behind that specific day.

I, for one, understand that Thanksgiving is not, just on Thanksgiving Day.

What about you?

Are you the one who continues to return and thank God or everything in your life?

As I thought about whether you are the one, I also belong to a community of people who journal daily.

Each day I write in my journal, I know the many blessings I must be grateful for and thankful for.

I’ve learned over the years to not take anything for granted.

Each of us has a few acquaintances that we call friends.  One of those individuals contacted me the day after Thanksgiving to check in on me.

Over the last ten-plus years, he and I have talked at least once a week or every two weeks, depending on our schedules.

It’s times like these that I’m thankful for the true friends in my life that remain over time as we share life stories.

Are you the one that reaches out to others to say hello?

Are you the one making a difference in other people’s lives?

Sometimes, we all, me included, get caught up in the day-to-day activities and don’t take time for others.

The story of Jesus healing the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 has helped me understand sometimes we have people in our lives who are suffering and have made themselves outcasts.

Yet, many don’t understand the importance of gratitude and faith in God’s grace.

I invite you to think about all the small acts of kindness others have done for you.

In our church, we are preparing to feed 100 families for Christmas.  Part of the process was a special collection during the Thanksgiving Mass to offset what was not collected before all the Christmas Baskets are completed.

Why Small Acts of Kindness Have Such Big Impact (psycom.net)

Earlier this month, as I was reintroduced to the lost sheep parable (Matthew 18:12-14), I’m reminded of the one!

Matthew 18:12-14 NLT – Parable of the Lost Sheep – “If a man – Bible Gateway

I’m also reminded of the song “The reckless love of God by Cory Asbury” as he speaks about the 99 sheep and finds the one.

“The reckless love of God by Cory Asbury – Search (bing.com)

As you and I prepare to close November 2023 out, I ask, are you the one? Are you the one who is constantly giving thanks?

Today, I invite you to think about you “Taking Gratitude to the Next Level.” Have you thought about how blessed you are in life regardless of your current circumstance or situation?  When was the last time you said thank you for what you have or don’t have?