4/19/2011

eucharisteo



Word Origin: eujcaristevw

Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech: yoo-khar-is-teh'-o

Verb

Definition: to be grateful, feel thankful, give thanks

Eucharisteo: Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.


~ Ann Voskamp, author of “One Thousand Gifts" says;
“The root word of eucharisteo is charis, meaning “grace.” Jesus took the bread and saw it as grace and gave thanks. He took the bread and knew it to be a gift and gave thanks.

But there is more…Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word chara, meaning “joy”…I whisper [eucharisteo] out loud, let the tongue feel these sounds, the ear hear their truth. Charis. Grace. Eucharisteo.

Thanksgiving. Chara. Joy. A triplet of stars, a constellation in the black. A threefold cord that might hold a life? Offer a way up into the fullest life?

Grace, thanksgiving, joy. Eucharisteo. A Greek word…that might make meaning of everything?”




You simply cannot receive with a clenched fist.  You must first GIVE in order to release the grasp; pry open the fingers and be open-palmed ready to receive. 

~ I give thanks for being unworthy, so He may bless me with His grace.


~ I give thanks for life 'coming at me hard' the last 6 months, for in my weakness I received strength.

~ I give thanks for needing the support of my family and friends, for in asking I received in abundance.

~ I give thanks for the silence, for in that space I listen for His whisper.

Ann decided the best way for her to fully embrace the principles of eucharisteo was to begin writing a list of 1000 things she was grateful for;

“…windmills lazying in twilight’s last breeze…. soft wool sweaters with turtle neck collars…. the faint smell of cattle and straw….”

Oh how I wish I could write like Ann.  But since I do not, I will give thanks for her talent and offer up plan B for illustrating my own 1000 gifts.






I have mentioned before my personal angst with lists; so I decided, like many others have, to document my personal eucharisteos in the form of photos.  Are you surprised?  I have a nice little Flickr badge on the sidebar of the main blog page which will show the last 5 photos uploaded.  As of today, I am officially at 50 . . . . giving thanks for every one on my way to 1000.










10 comments:

Heidi =) said...

I love your project and I LOVE that book! I'm so glad you found it and are reading it/have read it. It's good to have you back too. I missed you while you were away.

Lora said...

I will have to check that book out. I also love the picture projects... I want to do one.

Denise aka Mom of Bean said...

A timely reminder to be thankful for all that we have...big or small; significant or 'insignificant'...they are all gifts to be treasured.

Heidi / D-Tales said...

Love the project!

Alexis Nicole said...

love the project!!

Im definitely thankful for you my dear!! Xoxo

Jules said...

Amy, this is so lovely. the photos are a beautiful way to show gratitude.

Meri said...

What a great project! I need to find the simple joys within my life. Pictures are such a great way to reflect!

Trev said...

Picture really are worth a thousand words. I must say I love looking through the scrapbooks my wife makes. Sounds like an awesome project!

Sarah said...

I just started that book today...I am excited. I also finished mitten strings to god and gift of an ordinary day, similarly about being thankful and present. I feel I need that reminder and these books have been wonderful for me.
Thanks for your comment on our blog - we really enjoy our family time. Looks like you're getting a good dose this summer on a fantastic trip to Alaska, seriously one of our dream trips - I can't wait to hear the details. I wish I had good advice but I basically double up on what normally works (for lows) and go with the flow :)

Dottie said...

I too just started the book today (July 26, 2011)...and began a search on the word Eucharisteo...and, well, here I am. But what drew me specifically to your blog what the Name because 333 has such a significant meaning in my life. Thank you for allowing me to have yet another thing to be thankful for today.
Blessings!
Dottie