Little Sunday Story: A Trail of Thank Yous

A Trail of Thank Yous

by Ashley Karges

Oct 12, 2025

Luke 17: 11-19 

Themes:

- Seeing God in all situations

- Complete your prayer with a thank you!

Malulabelle and Ruby skipped along the treelined trail. Their little furry buddies, Coconut and Lucky trotted along.

SNAP! A breaking twig in the brush caught the puppies’ attention. The twitching tail of a squirrel scampered into view, then disappeared.

“Ruff! Ruff!”

“Arrrfff!”

Coconut and Lucky darted into the brush and were soon long gone.

“Oh no!” Lucy was worried as she and Malulabelle lost hold of their leashes.  “How will we catch them?”

“Coconut! Lucky! Come back!” Malulabelle used her best puppy-calling voice. “Let’s see if we can trace their tracks!”

The girls veered off the trail into the trees, then back onto the trail. But they found no signs of the pups.

Malulabelle knew what to do. “Lucy, let’s ask for help.” The girls joined hands and prayed. “Jesus, keep Coconut and Lucky safe. Please help us to find them. Amen.”

Continuing their search, Lucy rubbed her arm. “Did you feel that?” A raindrop!... A sprinkle….! A shower!

“The rest shelter is up ahead. Let’s go!” Malulabelle and Ruby ran up the wooded trail. Their hair slicked to their foreheads as they blinked through raindrops and squished through tiny puddles. Looking at each other, they couldn’t help but giggle. They had never been on a rainy run before!

At the shelter they caught their breath.

“Ruff! Ruff!”

“Coconut! Lucky! You found us!” The wet pups wiggled and wagged at their reunion.  

“Looks like they lost their squirrel!” The girls giggled again. “Silly, pups!"

As the rain lifted, sunbeams glimmered through the leaves. “How pretty! Let’s get a closer look.”

This time, it was the girls venturing off-trail.

Coming through the trees they stepped into a small clearing. Up in the sky was a beautiful sight.

“A rainbow!”

“How beautiful.” Malulabelle had a new thought. “Lucy, we haven’t finished our prayer.” The girls joined hands again. “Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for keeping our pups safe. Thank you for the run in the rain! Thank you for this gift of a rainbow.”

Has God ever answered your prayer? He is always working in our lives. When we thank him for little gifts in our day, we begin to see Him everywhere. Being grateful to God lets him know, we have faithful hearts.