I was first introduced to the concept of eucharisteo when I was about 18 or so. I think I came across it in a blog post or online article of some sort, but I'm not sure where exactly. Most likely, it was something by Ann Voskamp, but I'm not certain. What I remember is immediately feeling challenged, encouraged, and inspired by the idea of living a life around the concept. Since then, I've studied it, meditated on it, started (but never actually finished) the Ann Voskamp book about it, and now I've tattooed it on my body.

Eucharisteo is the greek word for thanksgiving. Within it, is the greek word charis, meaning grace, and it's root word chara, which means joy. I love that this one word encapsulates all three concepts of thanksgiving, grace, and joy. I also love that Jesus himself spoke it. Luke 22 says that when in the upper room with His disciples, he took the bread, he eucharisteo (or gave thanks), he broke it, and he gave it to them saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." (This is where the catholic church gets the word eucharist.)

To me, this word means that the root of true joy is found in having thanksgiving for the grace we've been given in Christ.

A life of eucharisteo is a life lived with an attitude of gratitude, full of gracious communication, and a constant pursuit of true joy in Christ. Having eucharisteo tattooed on my wrist is my constant ministry to myself and to others around me. It is my overarching life goal and my resolution in 2017 to live a life of eucharisteo. I'll let you know how it goes!