“Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren’t satisfied in God and what He gives. We hunger for something more, something other. “ {Ann Voscamp, One Thousand Gifts}
At the beginning of this month I started reading the book “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voscamp. While definitely not the easiest book to read, God revealed a lot to me through it. The main theme of the book is giving thanks, and she uses the word eucharisteo (Greek word meaning thanksgiving) quite frequently throughout.
It’s such a simple concept, giving thanks. And yet it’s one of the hardest things to do. It’s a challenge looking for God in the moments when things don’t go my way. I get annoyed by people, frustrated by my circumstances, and I forget that God is still present in those moments. In fact, I tend to assume that He’s just no where to be found during those times.
So this month I have challenged myself to pay attention to the little things, the small, seemingly insignificant moments, and to give thanks for them—for all things.
“There is a way to live the big of giving thanks in all things. It is this: to give thanks in one small thing. The moments will add up.” {Ann Voscamp, One Thousand Gifts}
In the book the author decides to make a list of one thousand things she is thankful for (which eventually turns into a never-ending list of thankfulness), and it inspired me to do the same. It’s by no coincidence that the journal I chose for my list is one that says “in everything, give thanks” on the cover, with several quotes about thanksgiving throughout it (isn’t God cool?).
By stopping to look deeper into the small moments and recognize them for the gifts they truly are, I’m able to see God more clearly and can embrace the hidden joys. The big annoyances become smaller, frustrations extinguish, and I simply learn to be satisfied in the moment, in God.
It’s still a difficult thing to do sometimes though, and I still have moments and days of frustration, when being thankful seems impossible…but at the end of the day I’m once again reminded of eucharisteo, and I still manage to find things to add to my list.
I desire to grow closer to God, to have a closer intimacy with Him, and that starts by giving thanks, constantly, and in all things. Everything starts with giving thanks.
“Remember that at any given moment there are a thousand things you can love.”
{The Realm of Possibility}
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18}
