Hallelujah Anyhow

12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. (Luke 17:12-14)

Ten lepers approached Jesus - keeping a distance, as we've become accustomed during this time of COVID-19. All ten asked for Jesus to have mercy on them. All ten were instructed to show themselves to the priests. All ten were obedient. All ten were healed. Only one returned to Jesus to offer praise and thanksgiving. The other nine may have been grateful, but they didn't allow their gratitude to alter their path.

As we prepare to experience a Thanksgiving like no other, let's also give thanks like never before. Let's give thanks for the love we've known, even if we're not around the same table. Hallelujah anyhow! Because altered is not ended. Hallelujah anyhow! Because transformed is not terminated. Hallelujah anyhow! Because "virtually together" is still together. Let's let our gratitude turn us around, change our plans, and increase our praise. Hallelujah anyhow!

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100)