Appreciation: Expressing thanks, praise or commendation, particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts. Gratefully acknowledging what someone “does” or attempts to do. (Colossians 3:15 b, 1 Corinthians 11:2)
If you have older children (child that has a cell phone), will you send them a text and simply tell them what you appreciate about them? Would you take time to praise them for an accomplishment or even a good effort? An example may be, “HI ____________, I just wanted to tell you how proud of you I am and the work you do at your job (at school, on the team, here at home, with your siblings or grandparents). I love you and I hope you are having a great day!” Go ahead, I’ll wait right here while you send your text. 😉 You may just get a text right back with a happy response from a surprised kid on the other end!
Sometimes, especially as our kids get older and have lives of their own, we can forget to let them know how we feel about them. Even when there is no particular reason to do it. We can do it anyway. Meeting the need for appreciation can start in relationship with a young child too.
May I challenge you to set a reminder on your phone to send out random texts of appreciation to your children now and again? These texts will no longer get a surprise reaction but will become a bright moment that becomes a beautiful memory.
Try it!
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Appreciation
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
John 15:15 says that Jesus calls us His friends! The God of the universe, to Whom we will bow and declare He is Lord, says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Wow!
Think about your closest friend. Can’t you two talk about almost anything together? Friends appreciate one another, give pep talks when needed, mourn and rejoice with one another, have fun and spend time together. Jesus shared Himself with His friends, His disciples. Do you think He feels the same about you? Do you think He calls you His friend as well?
The answer is yes! He enjoys your relationship!
Would you spend time with the One that calls you HIS friend and share your appreciation for that friendship with Him in prayerful conversation?
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do:
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above.
God has given you a perfect gift in your child/children. Do you appreciate them and view them as gifts? Do you thank Him? Do you tell your kids just what gifts they are?
Imagine if you beautifully wrapped a box this Christmas and put it under the tree for your child to open. Inside they find a handwritten letter by you telling them what a good and perfect gift they are to you. Ask your spouse to place one written by him/her in there too. I bet they will treasure that gift! It might be a good idea for that to not be the only gift they receive. I’m just sayin’. 🙂
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with our children/children of influence”the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
Last week we recommended to try, without telling your spouse you were making it a project, to say thank you for one thing your spouse has done each day for the remaining 28 days of November? Would you do the same with your children for the remaining 20 days of November?
The cool thing about this practice is that you purposefully will be taking notice of the what, how, when and where of your children (and your spouse) so you can share what you appreciated that day about them.
Think about that for a moment. Wouldn’t that allow you to enter the world of your child -and your spouse since you are doing the same with them, I hope – and “take notice” of them? The relationship with your children will deepen, as you share your appreciation each day. What do you think? How’s it going?