1,000 Gifts and 10,000 Reasons

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. (Luke 22:19, 20 NIV)

Yesterday at church we had a really interactive sermon on thankfulness.  Pastor Chad asked us to share those ministries and things about Holy Cross that we are thankful for.  And people shared... deeply.  It really was very moving.  And then we sang, "10,000 Reasons" and that made me think about the book "One Thousand Gifts," by Ann VosKamp.

During the sermon, Pastor Chad reminded us that the word "Eucharist" meant "thanksgiving."  Probably my favorite part of the book I mention above are these passages:

"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.  But there is more, and I read it. Echaristeo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis.  But it also holds its derivitave, the Greek word chara, meaning "joy."
Charis.  Grace.
Eucharisteo.  Thanksgiving.
Chara.  Joy.
A threefold cord that might hold a life?  Offer a way up into the fullest life?
Grace, thanksgiving, joy.
Eucharisteo.  A Greek word...that might make meaning of everything?"

I just love the thought of thanksgiving, grace and joy all wrapped up together in one word...one idea...one action...one purpose for life.  If we could only fully grasp this concept, how beautiful life would be!

Father,
Fill our hearts to overflowing with thanksgiving, grace and joy.  Amen.