I have two children, and they have a different approach to wanting things. This is mostly because of age and developmental level, but it provides an interesting contrast. One considers the cost of something and is careful about what she asks for. The other becomes fixated on what he wants and quickly is moved to tears if he doesn't get it.
The tears we shed, the sadness and frustration we feel, are important. They serve as a gauge of our maturity level and potential for joy. When our tears are mostly for ourselves, joy is difficult to find. When our tears are for the sacrifices of others, the seeds of joy are planted in our hearts.
Another word for bread and the cup in communion is the eucharist. Eucharist is a wonderful word from the Greek which is formed by "eu" (response) and "charist" (gift or grace). It is the proper response to a gift. It means gratefulness or thankfulness. When a gift is received with a recognition of the cost to the giver, we are transformed. When a gift is received with only a desire for self-satisfaction, our souls become closed up and hidden.
The Lord's Supper is a time to give thanks, participating in the gift Jesus has given us and offering our own selves as living sacrifices in response. As you go through the day today, pay attention to your pain, sadness and frustration. Is it for yourself or for others? Become a crybaby for the pain in the world. I guarantee that if you allow your heart to be enlarged by the pain of others, you will find the eucharist.
-John M Troyer
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The tears we shed, the sadness and frustration we feel, are important. They serve as a gauge of our maturity level and potential for joy. When our tears are mostly for ourselves, joy is difficult to find. When our tears are for the sacrifices of others, the seeds of joy are planted in our hearts.
Another word for bread and the cup in communion is the eucharist. Eucharist is a wonderful word from the Greek which is formed by "eu" (response) and "charist" (gift or grace). It is the proper response to a gift. It means gratefulness or thankfulness. When a gift is received with a recognition of the cost to the giver, we are transformed. When a gift is received with only a desire for self-satisfaction, our souls become closed up and hidden.
The Lord's Supper is a time to give thanks, participating in the gift Jesus has given us and offering our own selves as living sacrifices in response. As you go through the day today, pay attention to your pain, sadness and frustration. Is it for yourself or for others? Become a crybaby for the pain in the world. I guarantee that if you allow your heart to be enlarged by the pain of others, you will find the eucharist.
-John M Troyer
This blog is updated each day except on Sunday. Liking the Facebook page will not automatically update your news feed with new posts. If you would like receive regular notifications of new posts, join the Facebook group at this link. If you would like to subscribe by email, you can do so at the top of this page.
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