My father-in-law (affectionately known as "My Favorite Father-in Law" or MFFIL for short) likes to send courier packages, so he calls them. But really, they are just letters in really cool envelopes-ones that have traveled to places such as Singapore, Mexico, Chapel Hill, and now Texas. Most of the letters are to the Husband, but occasionally, I receive a package, which usually makes my day. I remember a letter he sent a little over a year ago talking about how he had chosen a word for the year based on a sermon his pastor preached. His word for the year was "Believe: God has looked after me this far and He will continue to do so." I had heard of "Pastor Mike" from Father-in-law (mostly about how Stier Construction had helped fix up his home and that he liked to surf) and had heard his sermons during visits to Wilmington and Port City Community Church. However, the main topic of our conversations regarding Pastor Mike were about his sermon series each year on picking that "one word." MFFIL was very fond of this one word idea and would talk about it often. I, however usually just nodded and listened, not really paying much attention to this "one word" idea. I knew I liked Pastor Mike's sermons when we visited PC3. I guess I didn't know that the concept MFFIL was speaking about was that big of a deal. Or that it was actually a good idea.
When we were home over Christmas, MYFFIL wanted to run into the bookstore after church to pick up a book. When we walked in, he showed me the book he came seeking. I looked at the title: "My One Word." Written across the pages inside that book was the content of the sermon series Father-in-law had told me so much about-hot off the press. But even then, I didn't realize it was that big of a deal. I mean the bookstore was located in the church lobby and any pastor can put their books in their own bookstore right???
Remember when I told you I was learning Eucharisteo? Well, along with learning about Eucharisteo, I began reading Ann Voskamp's blog. She started talking about her one word. Scott came home one day and told me that MFFIL was sending us a copy of "My One Word." I had heard about it for a few years pre-book, I had read it on Ann's blog, and now MFFIL was sending the book for us.
When I received the book, I opened the cover and realized that it was published by Zondervan. I thought, "Aren't they the same publishing company that publishes all the Bibles?" Um, yeah. It was here when I began to realize that perhaps MYFFIL was on to something (and more ahead of the times than we both knew). Perhaps this "one word" theory was kind of a big deal-big enough that a publishing company as big as Zondervan would publish it. Perhaps it was time to take this "one word thing" a little more seriously. Perhaps it was time to read about this "one word" concept for myself.
The premise of "My One Word" is that you don't just make new year's resolutions that you never keep: you choose one word that you want to focus on to better yourself for an entire year. This is not about unresolved new year's resolutions, but about perfecting a weakness, tweaking a character flaw, becoming more like who Jesus created you to be. It is about becoming more like Him.
As I've mentioned, (probably 1000 times by now), I read "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I enjoyed it so much, that I have thought about picking it up and reading it through again. And I might before this year is over. The book started what I believe to be a change inside of me. You see, before eucharisteo, I was not myself. I found myself in a valley and I was not seeing the beautiful flowers blooming around me, if you know what I mean. My outlook was grim and anxiety became my new middle name. I felt as if I had lost my joy. However, learning eucharisteo is rejuvinating my soul. So, in an effort to get my spark back, I am going to continue the art of learning eucharisteo. In applying the principles I am learning in My One Word, my one word for the remainder of this year is going to be:
Eucharisteo. The art of learning thanksgiving for a year.
The art of learning thanksgiving for a year. Thanksgiving in all things. Thanksgiving through the pain, anxiety, stress, uncertainty, times of joy, and yes, even in the times of storms and sorrow. In Pastor Mike's book (I haven't ever officially met Pastor Mike, but since MFFIL is on a first named basis, I suppose I feel as if I can be as well), he talks of picking your word based on Scripture.
Do no be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Thanksgiving reduces anxiety. Thanksgiving is peace-giving. The kind that passes all understanding. The kind that guards hearts and minds. Thanksgiving creates a pure heart. Here is to learning eucharisteo for a year. Here is to life-change. Here is to bettering said life and self.
In line with eucharisteo, I am grateful for my father-in-law, who encourages through letters, inspires to be better through "one words," and recommends really good books....he probably means for it to just be a conversation starter....little did he know, he would make the blog....and perhaps be receiving a book recommendation from me about the art of learning eucharisteo in return for My One Word.............
Until next time be blessed.......
