Book Study 1000 Gifts Chapter 2

Somehow I got a little behind in starting the book study.  It's already time for Chapter two.

Anyone who knows me knows I always get a little weird around my birthday.  I will celebrate my 49th next week. For some reason this year it hasn't affected me the same.  I think it has to do with losing my mom last September.  She will not be here to celebrate her 75th birthday.  My dad didn't make it to his 70th birthday.  My sister didn't make it to her 44th birthday.  Parents aren't supposed to bury their children. I don't think they ever recovered from it.  My parents were both babies of their families and I want to say this with no disrespect, but they loved instant gratification.  Healing from the loss of their firstborn child was not something they could do instantly.  It takes time and most importantly God to heal that kind of broken heart. Their way of dealing with it was by changing their residency.  They lived in Florida, California, North Carolina and my mom came full circle by the end of her life living right in our hometown.

When I read this quote in the book I could totally relate: "Thinking on the beginning of this year, who does He call to come Home?  Is it me, Lord? May I be ready. Or us. Whoever." My mind always goes there.  I wonder if I will be living to celebrate my next birthday.  Ann also asked this question, "How do we live fully so we are fully ready to die?"  What do I want to do or see before I die?  I've heard many people my age say they want to "simplify" their lives.  They would be content to sell everything and travel the world.  I must admit that sounds pretty good right about now, especially since I am not working right now.  I don't need more "stuff," but it would be nice to see the world!  Wouldn't everyone love to say they saw the 7 wonders of the world?  I have traveled to a lot of places in my life, but there are so many more beautiful places I'd like to see.

Seed: "Isn't it here? Can I find it here?" Can't I find beauty in the simple life right here and now?

Water:  I am reminded that there is so much beauty right here in front of me. Right outside my kitchen window.

Grow:  How can I grow that seed well? I can only do it by stopping to wake up to all that is around me. Right here in Clarkston, Michigan.   Right now as I look out my kitchen window I see light snowflakes shimmering when the sun hits them. My girlfriend, Lisa who lives in California is in town and called me a minute ago to see if I could meet her for lunch. Yes, I'm free. Then my husband called to ask if we have plans tomorrow night.  He wants to surprise me with something.  He has NEVER done that before. I can appreciate the fact that my husband called me (yet again) to tell me that he misses my mom and was reminiscing about our trip last Summer when she joined us to celebrate 4th of July.

This is also the chapter when Ann introduced the word Eucharisteo.  "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 it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning "joy".

I can find joy and contentment right here and now by simply appreciating what I have and giving thanks.  I don't have to get on a plane to find it. I also love how she always whispers. It's so much more meaningful and forces me to slow down when I whisper. I'll be back real soon to get going on that list... promise.