Earlier this fall, I began to read ‘1000 Gifts’ by Ann Voskamp with my Bible study ladies. And what a great book to be reading especially as we’ve been heading into the holiday season. She ended one of the chapters with “How do we live fully so we are fully ready to die?” I wrote down this quote and posted it where I could see it daily- and generally, each morning I would think through and listen to what God was telling me.
This question is not an easy one to answer. But with lots of prayer and time, God is beginning to give me a glimpse more and more often throughout this journey with The World Race. The following is a new word in my vocabulary that nicely describes how to live fully so I can-and will be- fully ready to die.
Eucharisteo
Charis. Grace. Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving. Chara. Joy.
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 gift and gave thanks.Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning “joy.”
Sure, Thanksgiving just happened to be a few days ago, but nonetheless, I am sure God has come through when I’ve given thanks in the past, but this renewed definition as really allowed me to be more present, yet more aware of the miracles that come from thanksgiving. “And he took bread, gave thanks [eucharisteo] and broke it, and gave it to them … ” (Luke 22:19 NIV). Thanksgiving is a essential part in our faith with Christ. Because remembering to give thanks is what helps cause us to trust Him, to really believe. Since I shared this adventurous opportunity God has put in front of me with friends, family, and social media, I have begun to truly get a better grip of eucharisteo. I’ve kept a small journal in my purse & when I feel and can sense His presence through those small yet precious moments in my life, I write it down.
Hummingbirds resting on thefeeder out the window. Crunching leaves on brisk evening walks. Encouraging note from a coworker after a chaotic shift. Good morning hugs and smiles from a resident. Chatter around dining room table full of family. Receiving a World Race shirt from a friend. Receiving a grant for being a YouthWorks alumni for fundraising. My home church Woodcrest supporting me in prayer and finances. Partnership with the children’s ministries offering. A member of the congregation willing to do a fundraiser for me. Giving me a part time job to help reach my goal. My family, who shows interest and gives motivation.
As I ask, He guides and provides. As I give thanks, He shows up & miracles happen. As I continue to fundraise for The World Race, I have decided to not worry, and to be thankful. Because Our God is a God who has my future under control. He will take care of my fundraising, my health, my school loans, and much more.
As I continue to focus on how to fully live, so I am fully ready to die. I can’t help but think about my Eternal home. When it is my time to leave this earth, I hope to enter the golden gates and know that I was fully ready to die, simply by the way I lived my life for Him. And give thanks for the opportunities he gave me to be a light, to share His love, His hope, and His great news!
A huge shout out to friends, family, coworkers, and others that already supported me in prayer and finances as I’ve begun this journey. Like i mentioned above, I am not to worry, for He has called me to go, He will provide all of my needs, He will equip me, and my squad as we prepare for the year long journey next summer! Thank you again! Blessings to each and every one of you! I would love to communicate about how God has continued to reveal to me more and more about why I am going on this race and how you can too support me further. Reach me at my email [[email protected]], call/text, or even through Facebook!
