I AM TURNING BACK

We had a doctor’s appointment for Victoria. Under the surface—you know, where you tuck all those things you feel but don’t want to say out loud—we were concerned. 

I prayed hard. Not fancy religious stuff, just an honest chat with God to please step in and please help.  

The appointment came. The new doctor was a believer, mega relational, highly skilled, and delivered a good report. As we got in the car, a collective sigh of relief flooded in before gratitude ever showed up.

We exhaled. Smiled. Drove off. 

Coffee. Calendar. Conversation. The visit with a new Great-Grand. A stop at Staples. Lunch at a new place. A couple of errands. Life resumed as if nothing holy had just happened.

This morning, it hit me. I never said thank You.

I thought of the story Jesus told… the ten who were healed, the one who turned back.

“When he saw that he was healed, he returned, praising God.” — Luke 17:15

I realized how easy it is for me to pray with urgency… and receive with forgetfulness. The answer came. The concern left. But my mind and heart and personal agenda kept walking.

So this morning, I’m turning back.

I am not doing this out of obligation. Not because God needs my thanks, but because I need the remembering. I need to offer thanks for what has touched my soul; and yet, the gratitude for it has somehow gotten lost in my heart. 

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” — Psalm 103:2

Today, before I rushed out the door, I paused, turned back, and simply said, “Thank You, God. Thank You! Thank You for hearing me. For hearing us. And… Thank You for the blessing of this good report.” 

Sometimes the holiest steps I take are the ones in simply turning back.

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For Best Things…

Craig