A Thousand Gifts

Over the past week I began a journey that I have to share! Amidst the doctoral homework and deadlines I find myself longing for deeper spiritual growth.  For me, grow in one area of my life means growth in all (personally, professionally, emotionally, and spiritually....sometimes even physically!).  As I have shared in this blog and with friends, the deep learning over the past months has really moved me in my core, unveiling deep, rich, and challenging discoveries through this program.  However, amidst all the learning and focus I continue to long to hear God's voice in a deeper way.  Though scripture is the key, I also believe that God can speak through others. 

As I have watched and listened to a dear friend over the past weeks speak about a new book she is reading, I am intrigued and wonder if it is something I should look into.  The book is A Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp. So last weekend I ordered a copy and began reading.  I don't even know if I can articulate the power of what God is showing me in this simple blog. 

As I sit here today I am just into the third chapter and I am overwhelmed by the message.  Thankfulness.... To accept God's grace, be thankful, and find joy.  Such simple words, concepts taught throughout my life - yet I struggle with true thanksgiving.  Self-centered, selfish thinking that keeps me from all that God has for me.  So I have begun this journey of discovering Eucharisteo, Thanksgiving.

To be thankful takes "true intentionality...the determined will to grow up something good to strengthen the heart."  The author begins a list of 1,000 gifts from God.  Imagine the list, imagine the transformation as you write it.  I began to think of what I would write and found myself wondering if my list was too shallow - too superficial.  Then these words...."But perhaps the 'full of grace' vocabulary begins haltingly, simply, like a child, thankful for the childlike." And then the words that brought me to tears..."But doesn't the kingdom of heaven belong to such as these?"  Sitting here thinking of my list - not deep - yet I belong.  Isn't that an overwhelming thought - I belong.  I belong despite who I am.  I am overcome again as I even write this.

I can not even imagine what is ahead in the chapters ahead, and how God will speak to me.  However what I do know is that today I am thankful - thankful that God uses others to give us a small glimpse into how much He loves us!