The bus carried me home from work as I began to read One Thousand Gifts, feeling the beat of Ann Voskamp’s heart bared upon the page. A heart hungering for more, longing to live fully. Perhaps we have more in common than our first name.
As she shares her discovery, it becomes mine too.
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them…” (Luke 22:19)
He “gave thanks” is eucharisteo in the original Greek. It carries in it the words for grace and joy – charis and chara.
Deep chara joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo – the table of thanksgiving. I sit there long … wondering … is it that simple?
…
Charis. Grace.
Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving.
Chara. Joy.Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
And I wonder too. Grace, thanksgiving, joy. And I wonder at her phrase … “is it that simple?”
I know that question. It echoes my own. The pages of my journal bear witness: “If a heart is full of love, can there be any room left for fear? Could it really be that simple?”
Perhaps the two are intertwined. Perhaps there is an invitation here.
At home, the summer evening light is wine-red in the leaves.
Eucharisteo.
I give you thanks Lord.
Flourish! 