The Christian life really is a journey. The imagery of hiking a trail really espouses the Christian journey. There is an entry point to the trail – for me it was when I was 16 and I said yes to Jesus. But that yes didn’t immediately culminate in total faith and dependence on Him. No, the journey requires step by step learning and seeking Him first. Much like a baby, born into the world grows, little by little, step by step.
And gratitude is key.
Our time in the Philippines really taught me the art of gratitude – a eucharistic life – eucharistic meaning a thank-filled life.
In Luke 22:19 Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them… In the original written language, Greek, the word eucharisteo is used, meaning He gave thanks. Charis is the root of eucharisteo and it means grace.
Grace can be seen as a gift – the bread, provision of food, is a grace. This is why we say grace, or say thanks, before meals – thankful to God our provider for the provision and grace of sustenance for our bodies.
Eucharisteo has joy wrapped in there as well. Chara, a Greek word is a derivative of charis. And when I learn all this, meditate on it, I think of Ephesians 5 where we are instructed to be imitators of Christ (v1), to give thanks (v4, 20), and also in Colossians where we are instructed to set our minds on things above (3:2), and give thanks (1:12; 2:7; 3:17; 4:2).
In our daily journey, remembering what Christ has done for us and giving thanks is the essence of a eucharistic life.
Journey on in His grace and peace, giving thanks in all things (1 Thess. 5:18)
(former) MISSIONARY MUSINGS 