“Without a witness they just disappear.” – Taking Chance
I’m not an avid movie watcher, but I had wanted to see Taking Chance for some time. Toward the end a veteran is thanks Kevin Bacon’s character for escorting Chance’s body home. Bacon’s character says he didn’t really do anything to which the veteran replied “Without a witness they just disappear.” Those who escort our fallen heroes home give witness, they honor the sacrifices made.
Instantly my thoughts went to Eucharisteo. To giving voice to the gifts of grace.
If we don’t give witness to the gifts God sends, to His ordinary every day miracles, they disappear.
to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:6-7 NIV)
How easy our hearts forget the graces He sends to us each day. I see people overwhelmed by their own problems. There are days I am overwhelmed by my own problems. Normal day to day frustrations. Worries. Hurtful words. Constant questions from my eleven year old that I do not have answers to. (“Why no son I do not know why they choose to patch the asphalt on that road and just make it worse instead of paving the entire road.” Can any of you moms relate?)
Eucharisteo. The Eucharist. Some denominations call it Holy Eucharist, some Holy Communion, some the Lord’s Supper. Whichever, it is to be a reminder to us. We receive it in remembrance of what Christ did for us. In remembrance of the grace God gave us through His son.
And in this remembering we give thanks. Eucharist. Communion. A visual reminder that has become much more meaningful to me as this word, Eucharisteo, was given to me this year. A gentle tap in my spirit to give thanks for the ultimate grace. Yet a confirmation to live Eucharisteo and give witness to each grace no matter how small.
Crickets’ songs.
Steady rain.
Front porch rocking chairs and seventy-nine degree weather in July.
Five miles on the treadmill.
Chocolate and almonds.
A husband, a son and golf.
Online friend’s who send encouragement.
Clouds painted across the sky.
Sky clearing to see two stars.
I may have blogged this before. Maybe I’m writing this again as a reminder to myself after this odd few months of feeling at a place between and just not quite myself. Perhaps someone reading this needs the reminder.
It all comes down to giving thanks and remembering. Giving witness to each grace.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12
What do you need to remember today?
