SHOWING APPRECIATION UNTO THE LORD

SHOWING APPRECIATION UNTO THE. LORD. 

 By ELDER MHONDERA 

I have been reflecting on a moving narrative that underscores the profound nature of sacrifice and its frequently unacknowledged importance. This story, set in England during the Industrial Revolution, centers on a humble yet content family comprising a father and his only son. The father was employed at the London Bridge, a structure that held a particular fascination for his son. One day, the son earnestly requested the opportunity to accompany his father to his place of work, an invitation that brought the father considerable joy. I thought of this story upon seeings and experiencing of God’s hand in my life and the lives of those around me.

The son was utterly captivated by the intricate mechanisms of the bridge, especially the apparatus used for raising and lowering it to accommodate the passage of both ships and trains. Driven by youthful curiosity, he ventured unsupervised into the area housing these gears, where, regrettably, his leg became trapped. His cries of distress reached his father, who immediately rushed to his aid. However, at that critical moment, the sound of an approaching train presented a harrowing dilemma: whether to close the bridge to ensure the safety of the train's passengers or to attempt to free his son.

Torn between these unimaginable alternatives, the father made the agonizing decision to prioritize the lives of the many. As he engaged the gears to close the bridge, his son's desperate cries echoed from below, gradually fading into silence. The train passed safely. When the father was finally able to reach his son, he had perished. Despite this ultimate sacrifice, the world remained unaware, with some even condemning the father's actions. Yet, the father uttered no word of complaint. This reminds me of the quiet sacrifices we see and perhaps don't even realize are happening around us daily.

This narrative deeply resonates with the supreme sacrifice made by our Heavenly Father, who offered His Only Begotten Son for our salvation, as recorded in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The significance of the word "give" implies an inherent expectation of gratitude in return. However, we often fall short in expressing our appreciation to our Heavenly Father for this incomparable gift of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this lack of gratitude can frequently extend to our interactions with our fellow human beings. 

It has become increasingly clear to me that this deficiency in our capacity to show gratitude may impede the flow of blessings into our lives. We are continuous recipients of the Lord's abundant grace and miraculous acts. The passengers on that train remained oblivious to the father's sacrifice, mirroring our own frequent oversight when God blesses us. Should we neglect to offer thanks for the blessings we receive, how might we expect further divine favor? We risk behaving like unappreciative children, perpetually finding fault despite the goodness bestowed upon us. 

Therefore, may we cultivate hearts filled with gratitude and offer thanks unto the Lord for the magnificent things He has accomplished and continues to accomplish.

May you continue to see the Lord's hand in your service.


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