Let's
Say Thanks Already!
When
he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and
gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people...
Mark 8:6
Lindsay placed the
grilled cheese sandwich in front of her eighteen-month-old daughter,
Jozlyn, and turned back to get their drinks. Her mom, Nancy, was
getting the rest of the food and condiments from the fridge.
Both heard
'jabbering' along with a slapping sound, and turned to find they were
being beckoned. Ready to eat, Jozlyn was rapping on her highchair
tray with her little hand, while trying to be understood in
'toddler-speak'.
Having gotten
their attention, she held out her hands, looking with anticipation
from her sandwich to her mom and grandma, and back to the sandwich.
Lindsay responded
with a knowing smile. “Okay, Little J,” she said, as she and
Nancy walked over, and took Jozlyn's hands so they could say grace.
As Lindsay said,
“Amen,” Jozlyn pulled her hands away, picked up a wedge of her
sandwich, and began eating; God had been thanked, her food had been
blessed, and it was okay to eat!
Lindsay and Nancy
smiled, delighted Jozlyn had waited to begin eating until thanks had
been given.
†
The term 'Out of
the mouths of babes' is apropos in this situation. Although complete
understanding is years away, Jozlyn already knows the importance of
bowing her head and thanking God for her food.
Having witnessed
and been a part of prayer before every meal of her young life,
Jozlyn, hungry as she was, knew she needed to say thanks for the food
before she ate. Having her display basic understanding, and a
willingness to adhere to her parent's teaching at such a tender age,
was exciting.
We have many
examples throughout scripture where Jesus and His Disciples showed
gratitude for the things they received from the hand of God.
As Jozlyn's
actions attests, we learn best by example, and God knows it. I think
it quite probable that many in the crowd mentioned in today's text
witnessed the value of giving thanks, and applied that simple yet
powerful act of gratitude from that day forward.
Prayer
“Father, for all we
receive from Your hand, we give You thanks! Amen.”
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