Thanks for Having Me

January 5, 2024

“Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.” ~ Luke 17:11-18 NIV

“Thanks for having me, Mom,” our son Dan said to me during dinner the night before he and his family returned to the Mainland.

I was momentarily speechless, wondering what he meant before replying. “I’m so grateful that we had both you and Seth.”

It was only then that I realized he was referring to including him and his family for the 50th anniversary trip to Hawaii.

After we had a laugh about my response to his “fill-in-the-blank sentence ending,” how deeply touched I was by his open-ended thanks.

Dan and I at dinner

It felt so wonderful to be thanked for something that I was equally thankful for. I flashed to the story of Jesus healing 10 men with leprosy, but only one turned back to say thanks. I imagine Jesus smiling and laughing with joy for those simple words “thanks.” I’ve felt the same way when I’ve given a gift that is genuinely appreciated and affirmed.

I often say words of thanks to God for beauty in nature, for relationships with family and friends, for meaningful work, but I can’t recall simply thanks God for having me.

Now’s as good a time as any to say “Thank you for having me.” ~ Anne