“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19b-20

Just Say “Thank You”

On Easter Sunday a few years ago, I was watching the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast, and broadcaster and former Major League Baseball second baseman Joe Morgan told about the one time he had the chance to meet Jackie Robinson, the first African-American MLB player and Morgan’s hero. Morgan said that he had all these questions he wanted to ask Robinson, but when they met all he could say was “Thank you.” Robinson, who gave him a knowing look, said “You’re welcome,” and walked away.

Later that night I was reading my daily devotional about Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and how we should tell Jesus “Thank you” for all that He did. I was reminded of what Morgan had said earlier and also of the MercyMe song, “I Can Only Imagine.” The chorus to the song says “…Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still. Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall. Will I sing hallelujah. Will I be able to speak at all. I can only imagine….”

As great as what Robinson did for baseball was, what Jesus did for us is even greater. Like when Morgan met Robinson, when we meet God face-to-face we may be so in awe of Him that we might only be able to say “Thank you.”

But that will be enough. In the meantime, we should continue to tell Him “Thank you” while we are still here on earth.

— Rena Ball