Your Inner Bulldozer: a Devotional on Blessings and Thankfulness
“Were there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger?” (Luke 17:18 ASV)
You know, sometimes bulldozers are pretty handy things to have around.
I have on occasion been called a bulldozer. This is hopefully not referring to my physique, but rather my tendency to become intensely focused. This can be a good thing—as long as no innocent bystanders are in my way. After all, bulldozers like me have real problems slowing down or changing directions.
Once there were ten lepers who discovered their inner bulldozer. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priest. Along the way, they were healed. Imagine—after years of isolation from everyone and everything you love, and night after night of praying or wishing that someone, somewhere would take away this terrible disease, you’re HEALED! These ten guys must have completely freaked out! But, do you know what? Only one turned back on the road and went to thank Jesus for healing him. Only one.
I would love to tell you that I would be the one that turned back to thank Jesus—but, honestly? My inner bulldozer would probably emerge. After running to the priest as Jesus said, I would definitely head home. I’d sob hysterically all over my husband, smother my kids with hugs, and then I’d probably start to cook everyone something. You see, I would be so focused on making the most of the blessing, that I would forget about where the blessing came from.
Neglecting the source of your blessing by focusing on making the most of it is easier to do than you think, especially for cancer patients and caregivers. Cancer can turn on your inner bulldozer—which is sometimes a good thing. Managing your cancer care, facing off with insurance companies and getting answers to your questions too often requires a good push from a well-tuned bulldozer. Yet, then the blessings come:
“Your counts look good.”
“The tumor is shrinking.”
“The chemo is working.”
“There’s something new we can try.”
“The surgery was successful.”
Your bulldozer may charge into the blessing, drinking its fill. But the weird thing is that the blessing won’t quench your thirst. Only Jesus can. The more we turn toward Jesus, shouting praises and bowing down in thanks, the less we need blessings. But, here’s the really cool thing—the more we turn towards Jesus, the more blessings we see. It’s true! Invisible blessings will start to become visible. When that happens, thankfulness becomes more than a response to blessings. It becomes a condition of your heart.
The trick is turning around instead of charging. Of course, you know how hard it is for bulldozers to turn around. But, it’s not impossible. Thank God it’s not impossible!
Pray: Jesus, all good things come from you. All good things come from you. Amen.
Your Turn: Don’t miss the blessings along the way! List all the blessings you have already received on your walk. One by one, lift each up to God in thanksgiving.