I have quoted Ann Voskamp in a couple of earlier blogs. I heard about her book, One Thousand Gifts, from my friend, Katy. It is one of those reads that it coming at the right time for me. These thoughts were already stirring for me.... wanting to have more in this life....and not everything has to wait for heaven.... and as Christians what does it mean to live life abundantly? I also just read a chapter of Ann's on time and being present, a very real desire of mine lately. SO, with that said, here are a few of her words.
She speaks of how she often would doubt God's goodness by seeing and living the pain in her life. That she felt what she had was not enough. She says, "Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren't satisfied in God and what He gives. We hunger for something more, something other." Just like in the garden, we think there is more and we eat. "We eat. And, in an instant, we are blind. No longer do we see God as one we can trust. No longer do we perceive Him as wholly good. We eat. And, in an instant, we see. Everywhere we look, we see a world of lack, a universe of lost." We look at the fruit and see only the material as a means to fill our emptiness. We don't see the material world for what it is meant to be: as the means to communion with God." God intent "has never been to slyly orchestrate out ruin. 'HIs secret purpose frames from the very beginning (is) to bring us to our full glory (1 Cor. 2:7). He means to fill us with glory again. ...Choosing to fill with all that He freely gives and fully love--with glory and grace and God."
Yet with God comes living with mystery. "That that which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him To the God whom we endlessly crave. How do I give up resentment for gratitude, gnawing anger for spilling joy? Self-focus for God-communion. To fully live-to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly. A dare to live an emptier, fuller life."
Good words. I can read her in small doses because it is so much. It is on my heart so more excerpts will be coming.
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