The Lord's Supper. The Lord's Table. The Holy Meal. The Eucharist. Communion. These all refer to the same sacrament that has marked Christ-followers through the ages.
I grew up knowing that it was a sacred practice but not really thinking of it as anything more than crackers and juice that we would have every first Sunday of the month to "remember the death of Jesus." When I moved to Vancouver, I started attending a service that celebrated it weekly. I'm not sure if it was the frequent repetition of the act or something the Holy Spirit was working in me (probably both), but in the last half a year, I've noticed that this practice of partaking the bread and the wine (in my case, juice) began to take on deeper meaning for me.
This past Sunday, as I came up to the communion server and tore off a piece of bread, I was embarrassed that the bread came off in a big chunk. I was left holding a lot more than what I usually would take. As I knelt to receive the bread dipped in juice, I told God as much. I felt Him respond to me, "I wanted you to have a bigger piece today. It is a symbol of the extra portion of grace I want to give you. You will need a large measure of grace in this coming week." In that mysterious moment, He nourished me and promised me sustenance for the week ahead that I already know will not be an easy one.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Friday, May 06, 2011
DEAR MOM AND DAD...
Thirty years ago today, you welcomed me into the world. You probably had no idea what you were getting yourselves into. But perhaps that was a good thing.
Today, as I mark 30 years of being alive, I wanted to publicly say THANK YOU.
Mom, words cannot express all the things I have learned from you and all the ways you have influenced me. Despite the fact that you did not grow up with a mother of your own, by the grace of God, you managed to be a most excellent mother to me. Thank you for deciding to leave your job and commit your days to rearing me starting the day I was born. I treasure the time you invested in me, the attention you gave to me and the way you listened to me, disciplined me and encouraged me. Thank you for discovering and learning along with me. Some of my favourite childhood memories are of us watching our little patch of garden grow and planting different things each year. Thank you as well for your passionate love for Jesus. I learned from your example how to look for and see God in the everyday situations of life. You inspire me.
Dad, I am so proud to call you my father. You are a model to me of what hard work, perseverance and patience look like. Thank you for providing for our family and working the long hours when I was young. Thanks for setting time aside to come and support me in my countless ballet recitals, art shows and theatre productions. Thank you for believing the best in me and treating me with respect and trust. You did not have the privilege of growing up knowing your dad. In spite of that, you became an amazing father. Thank you for consistently seeking after God's heart. I will always remember the many early mornings where you would sit at your desk pouring over the scriptures. I learned from your example how to keep seeking after God no matter whether times are good or difficult. You inspire me.
Mom and Dad, as I continue to grow and mature, I find myself appreciating you more and more. You are truly both quality people and I am so thankful God chose you to be my parents.
Congrats on 30 years of parenting! I love you.
Today, as I mark 30 years of being alive, I wanted to publicly say THANK YOU.
Mom, words cannot express all the things I have learned from you and all the ways you have influenced me. Despite the fact that you did not grow up with a mother of your own, by the grace of God, you managed to be a most excellent mother to me. Thank you for deciding to leave your job and commit your days to rearing me starting the day I was born. I treasure the time you invested in me, the attention you gave to me and the way you listened to me, disciplined me and encouraged me. Thank you for discovering and learning along with me. Some of my favourite childhood memories are of us watching our little patch of garden grow and planting different things each year. Thank you as well for your passionate love for Jesus. I learned from your example how to look for and see God in the everyday situations of life. You inspire me.
Dad, I am so proud to call you my father. You are a model to me of what hard work, perseverance and patience look like. Thank you for providing for our family and working the long hours when I was young. Thanks for setting time aside to come and support me in my countless ballet recitals, art shows and theatre productions. Thank you for believing the best in me and treating me with respect and trust. You did not have the privilege of growing up knowing your dad. In spite of that, you became an amazing father. Thank you for consistently seeking after God's heart. I will always remember the many early mornings where you would sit at your desk pouring over the scriptures. I learned from your example how to keep seeking after God no matter whether times are good or difficult. You inspire me.
Mom and Dad, as I continue to grow and mature, I find myself appreciating you more and more. You are truly both quality people and I am so thankful God chose you to be my parents.
Congrats on 30 years of parenting! I love you.
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