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| Photo Credit: Ashley Kenner Photography |
Recently, we celebrated Thanksgiving and our son's birthday, both of which have me reflecting much on gratefulness. Ironically, I also stumbled upon my eucharisteo journal from earlier this year.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the word eucharisteo (pronounced yoo-khar-is-teh'-o); it is a greek word meaning thanksgiving; to be thankful. It is made up of the following greek words: charis = grace and chara = joy.
I first learned of the concept of a eucharisteo journal from Ann Voscamp's book, 1000 Gifts, in which she lists everyday things for which she is grateful. At first, I thought the idea a bit foreign because not only does she give appreciation for the big things in her life, such as friends and family, but the minuscule things as well, such as soap bubbles in the kitchen sink. I am going to be completely honest, this was a difficult book for me to read at the time. I didn't have children and, at my stage of life, I didn't find bubbles in the kitchen sink all that exciting. But now, my perspective has changed. Now.... bubbles, mean that amidst the temper tantrums, sharing wars, constant cleaning, imaginative play, endless story time, running errands, and trying not to lose my mind, I actually had the time clean the pile of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink! Hallelujah for soap bubbles!!!
I mentioned that we also celebrated our son's birthday recently. When he was younger, we decided that we would purchase a special book each year in lieu of a birthday card and write a message to him on the inside cover. Our children receive a book that fits their interests at the time. The idea is that when they marry and begin to have children, they will receive their stack of books to pass along and read to their children. Toys and clothes weather with age, but books keep their allure and somehow transcend time with their mysteries. This year, we chose, The Boy and the Ocean, by Max Lucado. It seemed appropriate on many levels, especially since we are living at the beach. It’s a great mixture of adventure and gratitude for God's love for us as the Creator.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the word eucharisteo (pronounced yoo-khar-is-teh'-o); it is a greek word meaning thanksgiving; to be thankful. It is made up of the following greek words: charis = grace and chara = joy.
I first learned of the concept of a eucharisteo journal from Ann Voscamp's book, 1000 Gifts, in which she lists everyday things for which she is grateful. At first, I thought the idea a bit foreign because not only does she give appreciation for the big things in her life, such as friends and family, but the minuscule things as well, such as soap bubbles in the kitchen sink. I am going to be completely honest, this was a difficult book for me to read at the time. I didn't have children and, at my stage of life, I didn't find bubbles in the kitchen sink all that exciting. But now, my perspective has changed. Now.... bubbles, mean that amidst the temper tantrums, sharing wars, constant cleaning, imaginative play, endless story time, running errands, and trying not to lose my mind, I actually had the time clean the pile of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink! Hallelujah for soap bubbles!!!
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| Eucharisteo Journal a few weeks before we received Dillon's diagnosis |
My journal entries have also changed significantly since having children. I try to remember to slow down and enjoy them at each stage, soak up their sweet personalities and treasure the unconditional love they seem to give me just because I am their "Mommy." I am not perfect, far from it in fact, and often find myself swept away with what needs to be done and missing those precious moments I can never get back. However, this journal, and mindfulness in general, helps me to be intentional with gratefulness and find joy in the little things…like fingerprints on windows and soap bubbles.
As I read through my journal, my eyes lingered on the last two lines....
11. So very thankful for the little baby growing inside of me
12. The health of our children and how well they are growing
Part of me cannot believe that Dillon's time with us has come and gone. His life, so brief, yet so impactful, is over. One thing I know for certain....he has forever changed me. He has changed the way I see people and the way I see myself. He will forever live in my heart. I pray that in the days, weeks, months or years that remain of my life, I will give people the grace and love that God has given me; that ultimately God will be glorified through my life. So how does this happen? I believe one of the primary ways is by nurturing a grateful heart. One of my daily devotions, Jesus Calling, says this:
You see, this journal was from February or March of this year....just a few weeks shy of us receiving Dillon's Trisomy 18 diagnosis. He had the fatal diagnosis. but. i. didn't know.
I was still dreaming of nursery colors and arranging monogram letters.
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| Photo Credit: Ashley Kenner Photography |
A THANKFUL ATTITUDE opens windows of heaven. Spiritual blessings fall freely onto you through those openings into eternity. Moreover, as you look up with a grateful heart, you get glimpses of Glory through those windows. You cannot yet live in heaven, but you can experience foretastes of your ultimate home. Such samples of heavenly fare revive your hope. Thankfulness opens you up to these experiences, which then provide further reasons to be grateful. Thus, your path becomes an upward spiral: ever increasing in gladness.
Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me. A thankful mind-set does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems. Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations. I am your refuge and strength, and ever-present and well-proved help in trouble
(Sarah Young pg. 341).
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| Photo Credit: Ashley Kenner Photography |
I mentioned that we also celebrated our son's birthday recently. When he was younger, we decided that we would purchase a special book each year in lieu of a birthday card and write a message to him on the inside cover. Our children receive a book that fits their interests at the time. The idea is that when they marry and begin to have children, they will receive their stack of books to pass along and read to their children. Toys and clothes weather with age, but books keep their allure and somehow transcend time with their mysteries. This year, we chose, The Boy and the Ocean, by Max Lucado. It seemed appropriate on many levels, especially since we are living at the beach. It’s a great mixture of adventure and gratitude for God's love for us as the Creator.
It is my prayer that, as our children grow, they will understand the importance of having a grateful heart, regardless of the circumstance.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present and well-proved help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (AMP)
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