11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
John 17:11-19
Tonight I’m reminded of receiving a pair of shoes from a friend who knew I needed them. I see a high school english teacher who believed there was leadership in me who groomed me to do ministry…he taught me about books like The Friendship Factor by Alan Loy McGinnis and Why Am I Afraid To Tell You Who I Am by John Powell. His instruction would mold my concept of fellowship, ministry and church. I pause now to say thank you, Charles Gordon and Bruce Freeman.
I remember feeling rejected because my gifts didn’t seem to be valued by my church. I remember talking with one of the greatest preachers I have ever known who said “David, I believe in you. I think you can do it. Preach the gospel!” I pause to thank C. D. Brooks.
I have always loved learning. My dad, Victor Griffiths was an educator par excellence! My Uncle Arthur Clarke always encouraged me to get a job in the school system but I shied away from it. My friend Patrick McCoy encouraged me to explore teaching as well but I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of the process of getting a teaching job. God opened the door for me to experience full-time teaching and I’m grateful for both those who encouraged me to teach and those who gave me the opportunity to do it in Howard County. I pause to thank LaShonda Dreher, Uncle Charlie, Patrick McCoy and Terry Eberhardt.
I remember having a passion to do ministry using technology and wanting to share both music and the word with others through social media. I wanted to start blogging and vlogging. I wanted to have content that was professional in appearance. I also wanted to share these skills with young people in my church and community. But I didn’t have the money to buy a professional camera. I pause to thank Rankin Yeo for his support.
My mom and I always talked about the idea of finding a benefactor who would allow me the resources to pursue music ministry. Mom said that with the right resources I’d be able to share the musical artistry and spiritual insight that was overflowing from my heart. Today I showed my students a clip from a live recording and songbook release concert. We talked about it for so many years it seems like it’s still a dream when God already sent me the reality. I pause to thank Gerald Young and Bamm Washington.
It’s so easy to get caught up and forget to say thank you. When I read the story of the 10 lepers in Luke 17 I think surely I’d never be like “The other 9.” But I do it everyday. Sometimes it’s because I’m tired. Sometimes it’s because I’m still stressed about other stuff that hasn’t worked itself out yet. Other times it’s simply because I take for granted the very blessing of God in my life. Have you ever been there?
Wouldn’t it be great if we made a commitment to thank someone who has been a blessing to us every week? Let’s try it! Where I start is by thanking God every morning for life. I believe in this so strongly! I have had the most amazing experiences in these seasons of gratitude. I’ve had original songs come to me as easily as if they already existed. I’ve had amazing ideas to solve problems that I’ve been pondering. God has blessed me in the moment of my gratitude to a point where I believe it’s true: You can’t beat God’s giving! And I’m reminded of all those God has used to bless me and I want to let them know how grateful I am
Maybe you are busy. Maybe you are stressed. Maybe you just don’t realize how good God has been. Whatever the reason, please don’t be like “The Other 9.” Who could you write a note to right now to say thank you for being a blessing in your life?
Please subscribe to this blog and support me as I begin my quest to inspire change! Thank You. David
