This Day in History: 0000-11-08

November 8 – Luke 24:30-31

As they sat down to eat, He took the bread and blessed it. Then He broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. And at that moment, He disappeared!

Do you take the time to thank God for your food before you eat? I must admit that I don’t always remember to do this. Often I do, but there are far too many times I don’t.

I want to be clear though, I’m not talking about checking off a box from a list of rules for right living. What I am talking about it having an attitude like that of our Lord and Savior.

A reading of the gospels will reveal that Jesus made a regular practice of thanking the Father before eating. So much so that after His death and resurrection, it was this simple act that revealed His identity to His followers after He had spent quite a bit of time with them on the road to Emmaus. Somehow, I doubt it was because He perfectly recited a scripted prayer, but rather, I would guess it was because of the spirit of gratitude that reminded them of their teacher.

What about us? Do we live with a constant awareness for the provisions of the Lord? Are we taking notice of the detailed ways in which He cares for us? Are we regularly thanking Him?

I wonder if He often feels like a mother? Constantly serving the ones He loves, but rarely receiving any gratitude. Like a mother, He will continue to provide whether we thank Him or not. It is the nature of His love. But like a mother, I’m certain it means so much to Him when the children He loves take the time to say, “Thank-you!”