One Thousand Gifts

Throughout the semester, I try to make sure I am always reading at least one non-academic book at a time. During finals week I always try find one really good book to carry me through the chaotic week. This book,

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had been sitting on my shelf for over a year and I’ve been waiting for the perfect time to read it. A number of friends had recommended it and told me how powerful the author’s message was. The main theme of the book is gratitude, so I found the timing to be perfect both reflecting on another monotonous year of graduate school and also preparing for my month long trip into the unfamiliar. One of the questions Ann Vaskomp presents in a variety of ways throughout the book is, “How do I live a life penetrated by grace, gratitude, and joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties?” In her search to live a more joyful life, Ann is challenged by a friend to come up with a list of “one thousand gifts” in which she embraces daily blessings and living joy in every situation that she experiences. The things included on her list of one thousand gifts are nothing extravagant and include things like “mail in the mailbox” and “forgiveness of a sister” and “toothless smiles.”

Like Ann, I want to be “grateful and happy, whether hands full or empty” and as I begin my trip to India (tomorrow!!) I too, will be creating a list of one thousand gifts and striving to embrace life with a thankful heart. 

For me, one of the most salient things of Ann’s reflections was her mentioning of the “ugly beautiful” which she describes as “counting the ugly as grace and transfiguring the ugly in to beauty with thanks.” It would be naïve of me to think that every moment of my experience to India will be full of sunshine and balloons. Working in the slums of Delhi, I expect, to the extent that my ignorant mind is capable, for my heart to be broken by the poverty and injustice. However, I hope to discover the ugly beautiful and have a heart that is overflowing with joy.

P.S. I was sent this picture as a preview to where I’ll be working. I found this little beauty to be completely stunning!