I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought;
and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
~ G.K. Chesterton
I continue to savor Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
Ann's own one thousand gifts began on a whim, a scribbled list of gifts she already had. She discovers "eucharisteo," a word Luke used when he recounted Jesus taking, breaking, giving thanks and sharing bread, a word rich and telling, pregnant in its significance, rooted in grace and thanksgiving and joy.
Her message is consistent in her book and on her blog-–
Counting one thousand gifts is more than gratitude. That can be mere cultural construct. Counting one thousand gifts is about eucharisteo. That is Christ command. Eucharisteo, that Greek word that expresses what Christ did at the Last Supper: take the bread of pain as grace. Give thanks for that which is hard. Endure the cross, all in view of the joy set before.
Counting one thousand gifts means counting the hard things — otherwise I’ve miscounted. ~ Ann
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This morning in quiet and solitude and in delight of Spring's arrival, I find myself particularly grateful. I'm naturally inclined toward thankfulness, for the big things and the small, but some days it's near impossible to contain. Maybe because my first born will soon graduate, or maybe because I will soon add another year to my age, or maybe because there's a Season of "new" just around the corner, I find myself introspective and more appreciative of people.
It seems right today to begin a list for my One Thousand Gifts, and given my pensive mood, it starts with "gifts" who live under my roof.
1. Recent soul-conversations with my husband, heart-stirrers and marriage-difference makers, the kind I forgot I need.
2. My daughter's persistence in reconciling relationship.
3. Discovering that my daughter reads non-fiction just like me! Pen(cil) in hand, outlining, circling and writing notes. (I wonder, did she learn this from me or is it shared DNA or???)
4. My oldest son's quick wit and ability to make me laugh…even when I'm not happy with him. Maybe especially then.
5. My youngest son's notice and compliment every time I get my hair cut…it's genuine.
…to be continued
* * * * * * *
Delighted to finally be joining this beautiful symphony of gratitude…join us?
My heart whispered “Yes” all the way through this post, Robin. I’ve been a beauty junkie all my life, and gratitude is the natural response, but Ann’s insights gather the scattered beauties into a fragrant bouquet, ever accessible through the naming.
Love your list and that you’re embracing the ache. Happy almost birthday to you.
Love, Jeanne
Welcome to the community, Robin!
Being intentional about giving thanks makes my brimming cup run over, and my heart swell so full, I often wonder if my chest can contain it.
I pray this blessing for you as you begin this journey.
Love,
Julia
Robin, your words move me. Your words flow off the screen into feelings. Amen!
I am praying for you this week!
xo, Reese
Loved this. I so seriously need to get this book and start my own list.
Yea! So glad you’re joining! I started my list a couple of months ago, and I have to say it was a little hard for me at first. But now I’m finding grateful-things everywhere I look.
Jeanne, How is it possible that crossing your path again reminds me how much I regard you, how much I miss you and how highly I esteem your writing? You, this precious encourager and Very Good Rememberer :). Thank you.
Julia, Thank you for such a lovely welcome! I have no idea why I took so long to begin; I’ve had an ongoing mental list for years :).
Reese, That means so much; your kind words punctuated with prayer? I’m blessed!
Lis, You do! You do! Read Ann’s blog a while, maybe even click her 1000 Gifts category. But if you WANT to begin a list, chances are you’re like me…it’s already begun in your heart :).
Shelly, It makes me happy to continue to have reason to cross paths with you :). We’re so close in so many ways, that was only confirmed upon meeting you! Thanks for your encouragement now (and always).
<3 to you all!! 🙂
The words God gave Ann in this book are changing me. I don’t know that I can even express how. I’ve tried to on my blog in a few posts, but it’s just so true. Counting each grace, slowing to give thanks and finding His joy. So thankful.
A wonderful beginning to your gift list Robin! I love those soul conversations with my husband. They are the best! Your children are wonderful… each so sweet in their own way. ♥
not sure what that is at the end of my comment… it was supposed to be a heart! 🙂
Robin, I love your list…it made me smile so broadly. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this.
P.S. I love how since I’ve met you in person now, I can “hear” your voice as I read your blog! Makes it that much better. 🙂
Robin,
Like rings of a tree mark seasons and growth, Ann’s numbering of days does as well. It has for me.
It’s no surprise that the first entries in your list make a loving run through your family. Each of them reflecting a piece of your heart.
As always, I’m grateful for a chance to read your words. Thank you for being as gracious as you are. God bless.