Over the past month I have been reading 1000 Gifts by: Ann Voskamp. She wrote this book based on a dare to live fully right where she was at. A friend dared her to find “1000 gifts” in ordinary everyday living.
The book is based on a Greek word “Eucharisteo“; a verb meaning, to be grateful, to feel thankful and give thanks. “Eucharist” is the act of giving thanks and remembrance for Jesus who died on the cross for our sins: “charis” meaning grace, and “O” referencing whom should do these things; “I“. Ann’s story depicts what she believes to be the key to experiencing life’s full joy; based on this word “Eucharisteo“.
It is through the act of giving thanks for all things despite the circumstances; receiving and extending grace to those people and situations around us we experience joy. The “well of joy” is always available to us but do we choose to fully accept it and drink from it?
This idea of “Eucharisteo” really made sense to me and of coarse got me thinking. How might I get my family involved in such a way of living? Today the world seems to be filled with such negative; everything from the news on television to ungrateful people, greed/jealousy, and deceit in our daily lives. The negative surrounds us like a bad perfume. It is no wonder so many people suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Where have we gone wrong? Could it help even a little to go back to our Latin and Greek roots for answers? It’s worth a try, right?
The power of the mind is amazing to me and so much of our day to day living depends on it. When we are grumpy in our “head” it shows on our face and comes out in our actions. Is it even possible to be “grumpy” when giving thanks for all things; all day, everyday? I began to try this as a mental exercise for myself and do you know what; it is near impossible! I wrote down nothing but throughout my days found “gifts” and gave thanks regardless of how good/bad the situation. I was amazed and still slightly am shocked at how this works. Our mind; our thanks “giving” to God in all things free’s our mind of the ugly that has the ability to ruin days.
Try it; I dare you!
We are doing a 1000 Family Gifts join us and share some of your “gifts” with us. We would love to hear them.