The first chapter of Ann Voskamp’s A Thousand Gifts is a poignant set up for what I’m sure is going to be a life-altering read. Voskamp writes with such a raw, heart-breaking honesty I was moved to tears. I read this chapter during the first week of school, while experiencing a challenging transition, and it put things in perspective for me. During this week every fiber of my being wanted to quit, to give up and go home. Everything seemed too hard. Then I read about Aimee’s death. I read about Austin and Dietrich suffering from a terminal disease. I read about the Israelites wandering in the desert eating manna.
My point of view completely shifted. I realized I was refusing to be nourished by the mystery. I wasn’t looking for God through the holes in my life. I was convicted but even more I was moved to action. I no longer want to clench my fists and say no to God. I accept the dare to live an emptier, fuller life.
“Just that maybe you don’t want to change the story, because you don’t know what a different ending holds.”
