One of my most favorite stories in the Bible is when Jesus washes his disciples' feet after supper (John 13:2, 4, 12-15). The evening before Jesus Christ will be crucified on the cross for our sins, he does a surprising action. Jesus is the ultimate example of a servant. He displayed the whole idea of eucharisteo. Our lives should be a reflection of what Christ did for us. Ann Voskamp explains the servant-like attitude like this: "gratitude for the blessings that expresses itself by becoming the blessing." "Eucharisteo is giving thanks for grace. But in the breaking and giving of bread, in the washing of feet, Jesus makes it clear that eucharisteo is, yes, more: it is giving grace away."
When we partake in Communion, not only are we breaking bread and giving thanks to Christ, but He is also calling us to then go out and serve. Give is a verb, something that we have to do. So God is calling us to do thanks, "to give the thanks away." You are blessed, so you can bless!
It is important to remember though, that when you are going out and serving, that Christ remains the center of whatever you are doing. You should not serve to receive something back, because everything ultimately belongs to the Lord and He should receive all the honor and glory. When Christ receives the glory, our life will be filled with more joy and more gratitude. Eucharisteo. Mother Teresa even says this, "The work we do is only our love for Jesus in action. If we pray the work...if we do it to Jesus, if we do it for Jesus, if we do it with Jesus...that's what makes us content."
Here's another wonderful quote: "Christian hands never clasp and He doesn't give gifts for gain because a gift can never stop being a gift-it is always meant to be given." It is an endless cycle, where God gives us gifts to serve the world. To be the leader, me must first become a servant (Matt. 20:26).
What is so wonderful is that when we are serving, we are not serving alone. God is working alongside us and in us. We receive joy in Him.
This chapter definitely resonated in my heart and reminded me that the gifts and blessings I receive shouldn't just be kept, but given away. Given away through service and blessing others. Give is an action and as God calls me to serve, I do my best to honor and be obedient to His calling.
Here are the gifts received and given away both through thanks and action.
January 9th, 2013
Gift #60: Gift held-water bottle.
Gift #61: The determination and will power to not give up on my workout. It was a challenging workout, but with God's strength I finished strong.
Gift #62: Coaches encouragement and guidance.
Gift #63: A good sweat after an intense workout.
Gift #64: Soap suds on dishes ready to be washed and clean.
Gift #65: Powerful lyrics that remind me that "I'm the background" and Christ is "the rockstar." He alone deserves all the honor, glory, and fame. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHnZRZiCYHE
Gift #66: Gift sat with-my stuffed panda bear while I was reading.
Gift #67: This quote, "I am blessed. I can bless."
Today January 19th, 2013
Gift #68: Opening the blinds and seeing the sunshine flood through the windows.
Gift #69: Soft tissues to blow my nose.
Gift #70: Homemade sweet potatoes fries.
Gift #71: Gift just right-blessing a dear friend with the book, One Thousand Gifts.
Gift #72: Wonderful conversations and prayer with my friend Jacey.
Gift #73: A bird's nest.
Gift #74: Gift sweet-frozen yogurt.
Gift #75: Wind chimes creating beautiful sounds in the breeze.
Gift #76: The warmth of the sun on my face.
Gift #77: Another sick CrossFit WOD (workout).
Gift #78: My completion of reading One Thousand Gifts.
Gift #79: The fresh smells of a lit candle.
Empty to fill. Blessings.
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