Whether it is a gift we have received or a random act of kindness, we often want to do more than simply say, "thank you." Although a heart-felt "thank you" is all that is necessary, sometimes we feel that we would like to do more to express our gratitude. That feeling intensifies when what we have received impacts our life in a significant way. The friend who was available in a crisis. The mentor who guided our steps during a spiritual and emotional struggle. The family or the spouse who forgave. The ministry that may reach out to thousands, but it touched your life, and it changed the way you think or the way you behave, or it gave you hope. The God whose presence enabled when you had nothing left to give. How do we respond at such times?

 

I have watched adoptive families support for decades the ministry of the Christian adoption agency that placed a baby in their arms. Recipients of organ or even blood donations have sounded the cry for still others to give life to those whose lives are threatened. AA members, long sober and living productive lives, give back by mentoring others. And I have watched countless others whose lives have been changed by the indescribable love and grace of God, offer that same love and grace to those who in the present are broken or defeated, feeling abandoned by the circumstances of life. It is a gratitude that wants to do more than say, "thank you." It wants to pass the gift to still others.

 

The leper in Mark 1 fell on his knees before Jesus and implored Him for healing. The account tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion and the man was cleansed of his leprosy. It was then that Jesus exhorted him to present himself to the priests, as would have been the custom. Gratitude filled the man’s spirit and he abandoned custom and wanted to share the gift he had received. I imagine him running through the streets, shouting, calling, with an excitement that captured the attention of many who in turn found their way to Jesus. Paul’s compulsion to share the message of the gospel was fueled by his own awareness of what Christ had done for him. Peter and John had no money for the crippled beggar, but they gave him from what they themselves had experienced of the power of God.

 

I have had numerous experiences of being so aware of the gift that was given and so aware of the gratitude it infused, that I have wanted to give of myself in any way possible to give the gift to still others. (I am not alone in that desire because I have seen and heard the testimonies of many with similar experiences.) Giving back can be time consuming, energy depleting, emotionally entangled, and it may even take from us financially. Apart from a consuming gratitude, it would be easy to quit, but an awareness of the gift received, makes quitting impossible, and the rewards of giving back, a blessing that keeps on giving.