Looking back with gratefulness

There's a story in the New Testament about ten lepers who came to Jesus and begged for mercy.  Jesus answered their cries and miraculously healed them - all ten of them!  That's the wonderful part of the story!  The sad part is that only one of those men ran back to Jesus and thanked Him.  That's not a very encouraging statistic about human nature : / .

I'm afraid that I'm often like the ungrateful nine, but today I want to take time to be the thankful leper.  One year ago right now, I was laying on a stretcher, ready to go in for major surgery.  I had spent weeks prior to that (okay, maybe months!), begging God for mercy and healing and protection and wisdom for the surgeons, etc. etc.  And many of you joined me in those prayers.

Looking back one year later, I am so grateful for all the answered prayers.  God graciously walked with me through every step of the journey ~ and often His tender mercies came through family and friends who prayed and encouraged and helped in hundreds of practical ways. 

So if you were one of those people - I say "thank you" from the bottom of my heart.  But most of all, Jesus, I want to thank You for Your healing touch in my life and give glory to God for His grace poured out on me.  Help me walk in gratefulness today ~ and always.