I’m reading One Thousand Gifts (New York Times Bestseller) by Ann Voskamp. It’s different . . . captivating, nourishing . . . practically daring one to find true joy through the simple act of being thankful for the small everyday occurrences.
It was a “chest pounding hooves of a thousand stallions” nightmare awakening that shocked Ann to realize
“for years of mornings, I have woken wanting to die . . . .
I have pulled the covers over my head, dreading to begin another day . . .
I yell at children, fester with bitterness, forget doctors appointments,
lose library books, love selfishly, skip prayer, complain, go to bed late . . .
I live tired . . . But this morning, I wake, wildly wanting to live . . .”
When reality hits, we all want more time. But the question that lingers is . . . more time for what? What intrigues me is the approach this perceptive author took to answer that question. While it seems normal to desire more time to travel and do things, get more and have more, she wondered whether it would be possible to find true fulfillment in the life she already has.
When the word eucharist first appeared on the pages of her book, I wanted to just skim over it. It sounds like an ancient word. It is. However, as I kept reading to understand, this word came to have meaning. Eucharist, which means thanksgiving, envelops not only the Greek word for grace (a free gift) but also combines it with joy. In the pages of this book I came to see that acknowledging a gift with thanksgiving goes hand in hand with joy.
And is joy not the one thing that we really want more of? The one thing that makes this life worthwhile? True joy is what we really want in the end.
I’ve always heard or read that at the core of sin is pride or rebellion, but here I see another angle, that of ingratitude. Did Adam and Eve not have the whole garden of Eden to give thanks for? I wonder how many trees were there for their enjoyment? Yet, they wanted the one tree they could not have.
In Luke 17 we have the story of ten lepers healed by Jesus. . . one returned to give thanks to Him. I just read it . . . only one returned to give thanks. And what did Jesus say? “ Arise and go; your faith has saved you.” This response has always been a bit of a mystery for me . . . because the leper was already healed! Ann explains the original word used for saved in this context, means to be made well or whole. Could it be that the one who gave thanks was the only one who received what he really needed? He was graced with the true gift of wellness . . . wholeness . . . and resulting joy.
Reading this chapter caused me to turn my daily asking God for a certain specific answer to thanking Him for what He has already done. And seeing what He has already done leaves a telltale joy in my heart.
17 comments:
I am definitely going to read this book, thanks for sharing it. I had a similar epiphany over a year ago from a book I read. The author commented that if we believe God knows our heart, then we should step out in faith that He will provide what we need. So now, for example, instead of asking for more appraisal work for my husband, I thank God every day for the work He is going to provide. It has totally improved my attitude and I worry less (although I'm still a champion worrier... I'm working on it!)
Thanks you for sharing this. I needed to hear these words today.
Beautiful words shared here Anneliese. Interesting meanings behind eucharist. I wonder how many times I've been one of the 9 who doesn't thank Jesus...I think a lot.
Anneliese . ..I have been very struck lately that more of anything will not bring me a speck of joy. I choose to find contentment in my day. .and that sometimes takes a bit of effort.
Thanking God today!
I enjoyed reading this book as well.
Thanks for this post Anneliese! It's exactly the message God has been teaching me lately.
Luuuuuved this book too. Gratitude and contentment with what we have...right here...right now...in this moment. Fully aware and seeing that there is truly so much around us to be thankful for, no matter our circumstance. We just need to see through the lens of eucharist. I've been doing photos as well as a written list. Have you started your 1000?
Have enjoyed reading Ann's blog. I think she has included many or most of the old posts in her book. What a blessing! I had started on my 1000 and then became convicted that I didn't need a number to 'strive' towards,(it's not my striving that achieves anything!) but simply allow the Lord to teach me to be content at all times for the rest of my life. Thank you for your post!
This book has been sitting on the shelf beside my desk for quite some time. I am going to move it to my reading chair so that it is the first book I see. I love the meaning of Eucharist - I'd never heard that it refers to gratitude. Thank you for reminding me of this book and the need to nurture a thankful heart.
I went out and bought this book after you told me about it and was about to pick it up to start reading it when I saw your post. Looking forward to sharing what we are learning as we both read it!
I love how Ann's heart shines so beautifully through her book.
I'm thinking about using it for a women's study - what do you think? That or Beth's Moore's Breaking Free.
You have reflected beautifully on what you have read, Anneliese. Thank you for sharing your insight. I am especially taken with your perception that eucharist means thanksgiving, and also envelopes grace (free gift) and joy. What we have in each day is enough.
Sonya
Thank you for sharing your views. I have been so blessed by reading this and have learned to give thanks and find peace and enjoyment by reflecting on some simple concepts. I have it packed and am enjoying reading through it,s pages and highlighting them again.
Thank you for sharing about this book Anneliese. Your words are so true and our attitude towards life makes all the difference. I'm always amazed and thankful for how I've been blessed without deserving any of it! This is going on my "must read" list.
My life is kind of a 'chest pounding hooves nightmare' right now - must get that book! Thanks for sharing about it and being an encouragement to me today.
I will be buying this book, thanks to your review. I followed Ann Voscamp's blog for some time and always loved her style of writing. (I don't think it's current anymore.) She is a top-notch writer.
Thank you for sharing this with us .
I ordered the book and am waiting now to be able to read it myself .
Have a happy sunday.
I so enjoyed this book...and have shared it with others as well. To give thanks when giving thanks isn't easy...is to bring a sacrifice of praise to God. I have been thinking a lot on that!
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