“Were not ten made clean?
But the other nine, where are they?
Was none of them found to return and give praise to God
except this foreigner?”
—Luke 17.17-18
Take nothing for granted,
even sunlight or breathing.
Don’t let your privilege blind you
to the sheer underserved miracle
of your blessings.
Don’t think you’re entitled
to colors or conversation.
Let gratitude overwhelm you,
sneak up behind you
and lift you off your feet.
Pick anything to practice on—
the sunlight on the poorly painted ledge
of the apartment across from yours,
standing as if ready to leap off
into your arms—
pick something, and give thanks.
When someone asks you how you are today
say, “Grateful,”
then use the surprised pause
to think of what for.
The person looking at you quizzically
may give you a hint.