I APPRECIATE YOU! Never forget that. Do you appreciate you? When you look back over or around you at all the people in your life, do you truly appreciate them? OR only what they do for you? Do you feel appreciated? How do people show you they appreciate you? How do you appreciate them? It is not only in the small things and big things you do--such as the simple kind gestures in everyday life. It is also in the timely words you say or the silence you provide by just being present with them. To appreciate means: "to recognize/understand the full worth or importance of (something or someone); to admire and value (something or someone); to be grateful for (something) —used to make a polite request." I just had to add the synonyms for emphasis: "value, treasure, admire, respect, hold in high regard, think highly of, think much of" (Merriam-Webster) How is your appreciation going?
Sometimes you don't realize how good you have it until it suddenly goes away or things change. Don't wait till it's too late to show your appreciation and all you have left is "if only" because you can do it now. Why not take the time to pause, reflect and be more intentional about showing your appreciation--especially to those closest to you? All too often we have a tendency to take those closest to us for granted and say: "they'll understand" yet that is not fair on them. You know 'you' best as well as everyone and everything you appreciate in your life. Don't wait for a special occasion to show your appreciation. Make it a way of life to appreciate everyone and everything in your life--in the now moment.
When people show you in their own way how much they appreciate you, embrace it. Don't judge them and say that they could have done better or shown you their appreciation in a different way. When you show or tell someone you appreciate them and they don't respond in the way you expect, don't fret about it either. Do your part to appreciate! For the most part, I believe that true and genuine appreciation goes a long way--having a very positive impact that you may never fully know or comprehend.
God's Word also reminds us about appreciation: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17, NKJV) Appreciation is about giving thanks! Thank GOD daily. Appreciate others. Appreciate yourself and don't put yourself down.
Let today be filled with acts and words of appreciation. I appreciate you for reading this blog and the comments you share.
