Eucharisteo
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
There above my family room doorway hangs the beautiful handmade sign. I discovered the word through Ann Voscamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts. I recognized the word “Eucharist” spoken from the church communion table, but it all came alive through the pages of Ann’s writing.
Through the years it has been fun to watch friends and family enter my home and give a quick upward glance at the sign. I watch as they try to sound out the word and then the question comes.
“How do you say that word and what does it mean?”
Eucahristeo. To give thanks.
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them…” Luke 22:19
In the original language, “he gave thanks” reads “eucharisteo”. Woven together like an inseparable cord are three glorious words:
Charis. Grace.
Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving.
Chara. Joy.
What an amazing daily proclamation over my household and my life.
Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.
It’s as if the sign is shouting, “Go ahead, give thanks today”. Some days it feels like a treasure hunt, desperately seeking to find gratitude in the hard places, but on other days, I dismiss it completely. A sign is not necessary to remind me of FEAR, WORRY, LACK. These signposts lurk in the dark waiting to snatch my attention at the slightest turn. Before I know it, I am counting troubles and worries instead of blessings.
Hearts filled with ingratitude rub a heart bare and raw.
Constant dissatisfaction and discontentment make a heart weary. But how amazing the transformation is when I force myself to look up and give thanks. Many life situations have me staring at the sign, wondering what to call it and where is the meaning in all of this? But as I thank God, my heart is lifted up to one who knows much better than I. Gratitude causes my attitude to lift above to my good, good Father.
On this Thanksgiving Day, look up and give thanks in all things. Treasure hunt for the small hidden blessings that truly are enormous. Let “Eucharisteo” arch over your life calling others to look on and give thanks to our Almighty God.
“Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things
He has done for them”. Psalms 107:31