Thanksgiving: Humility in Action
Thanksgiving is an overflow of a humble heart. A heart that is vulnerable enough to recognize generosity. – Andrea D. Price
Rev. Reuben Boyd, Jr., the pastor of 3rd Street Bethel A.M.E. Church in Richmond, VA, asked me to teach a class on giving thanks. I said yes and immediately knew I would teach the story of ten lepers found in Luke 17:11-19. This story starts with Jesus traveling to Jerusalem, the place where he would eventually be crucified. On his way, 10 lepers asked him to heal their disease. He saw them, told them go see the priest, and on their way to see the priest they were cleansed. Of the ten, only one, a Samaritan, recognized his healing and showed gratitude to Jesus by praising in a loud voice, falling at Jesus’s feet, and giving thanks.
I facilitated the lesson today via Zoom and the attendees gave great insight and ideas about humility and gratitude. My biggest lesson from our discussion is that gratitude is a purposeful act. This act is perfected through practice. (The picture below links to the study discussion questions and answers.)
Gratitude Meditation
Earlier this year, I began five-minute morning meditations that focus on gratitude. This helps center my day on keeping gratitude, in all circumstances, a priority for whatever I encounter. I found a lot of peace and happiness by spending this short amount of time, every morning, from this practice.
Special Thanks
I am grateful to Rev. Boyd for providing a space for me to facilitate, learn, and grow. I am also grateful to everyone who showed up today. There were people from at least four states represented on the call. My heart is full and overflowing with thankfulness because of Jesus’ love and because of those people who’ve helped me grow in my faith and in my service.
Thanksgiving Prayer
Dear God,
We come to you today with a heart of Thanksgiving. We thank you for the beautiful trees whose leaves are now orange, golden, red, yellow, and even green. Thank you for the air that is slowly showing signs of fall. Thank you for the beautiful birds that are flying south. Thank you for all the signs of change that remind us of your awesome power.
We thank you for others who help strengthen our relationship with you. Guide all of them with your grace and fill them with Godly gratitude.
As our families figure out new ways to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, teach us how to be creative and safe as we honor you and give thanks to you.
Lord, if we ever doubt your goodness because times get tough, we ask that you increase our ability to be thankful in all things. Lord, help us to walk daily with an attitude of gratitude.
In Jesus’ name!
