Appreciation:
Expressing thanks, praise or commendation, particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts. Gratefully acknowledging what someone “does” (Colossians 3:15 b, 1 Corinthians 11:2)
“Mommy, Daddy, Look what I did!!!” Your kids are asking for a little appreciation… , a little praise! They crave it, don’t they? I believe we all do, no matter how young or old we are!
Who doesn’t want to hear “good job” on a project or a little praise for something we worked long and hard to accomplish? Our kids…. those “good jobs” and praises can actually shape them into healthy adults who have hearts filled with gratitude and appreciation for others.
I am not talking about turning our kids into attention getters but it is important to their emotional health to appreciate the things they do and to tell them why you like them!
WORDS OF APPRECIATION TO A CHILD ARE LIKE SUNSHINE AND RAIN TO A FLOWER.
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Support
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
In Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14, and Luke 18:16 Jesus gave a command to His disciples. In Luke it is recorded that Jesus called the children to come to Him. He loved them and wanted them to be near Him. The disciples must have thought Jesus was too important, too busy, too popular to be bothered with children during those busy times in the ministry as the crowds gathered. So, they tried to shield Jesus from the children so he wouldn’t be bothered.
Jesus let the disciples know in no uncertain terms that children were not a bother. They were special, precious, and wanted.
Question: Does Jesus welcome only children in the first century who lived in Israel? Since He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, does Jesus welcome children and want them to come to Him today?
I am confident Jesus loves and welcomes children today.
Another Question: Aren’t you His child? Oh, I know you are a grown up adult person, but I do believe you, as a follower of Christ, are considered a child of God. You are special in His sight and worthwhile. He wants you near Him, to be with Him forever, to not fear because He loves you. So, come on Big Kid, answer this: Does Jesus want even you as a Big Kid to be His too?
Still Another Question: Would you take a few moments to thank Jesus in prayer for loving and accepting children when others considered them a bother? Would you thank Him for wanting you in His forever family and taking you in as an orphaned child, who was lost and He found you, who was alone and He took you into His care, and who was homeless and He promised you a place in heaven forever. He is building it and preparing it even now.
Would you thank God for wanting your own children to be with Him (and you) forever too?
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
Have you ever said something to your child and you felt God “tap you on the shoulder” and say, “yeah, I feel that way about you?” When my kids were small, I learned some of the most valuable lessons about how He feels and what God thinks about me, His child.
How DOES God feel about you? What are His thoughts about you? How often are you and I on His mind? Now compare that to what you think God feels about your child? You might lean towards thinking God loves your child more deeply than He loves you? That is a lie, friend.
God loves us just as much! Not sure about that? Think about your own kids? How do you love them? Is there anything they could do that would end your love for them? What about the first day they entered this world? I bet your heart was bursting with love for them even though you just met them face to face! We are not naive to think your kids or ours never hurt our hearts or disappoint us, but that doesn’t stop us from loving them. No matter what they do, they are still our children. They are still family. You love each of them! God loves you a millions times more than we could ever love our own kids and He really does love you even when you don’t feel it.
Psalm 139 shows us the depth of God’s knowledge of you – personally! Would you read Psalm 139? Can you see how intimately He knows you? No matter the depth of love or how intimately we know our own children, God loves and knows you immeasurably more! How does that make your soul feel?
Now, with that background let’s do: Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
This is one of my favorite verses. It helps me to remember the kind of love God feels for me. Sometimes it is nice to remind ourselves that God loves us as His children. The words: “He delights in me and rejoices over me” are such words of appreciation, don’t you think?
Why not take a moment to tell your children or children of focus (kids not in your family but with whom you have influence) how much you appreciate them. A little rejoicing and delighting is good for their young souls, old souls too!
If they aren’t open to your telling them face-to-face quite yet, what if you prayed over them while they sleep or outside their door at night. If your spouse, their grandparent, or a good friend is around, how about praying together for your kids.
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with your Kids: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
One of the best ways we as parents can teach our kids to appreciate and feel appreciated is to be a living example. How does your child see you in everyday life? Does he/she see you appreciating others and appreciating the blessings you have been given, or do they see you complaining about not having enough and rarely hearing words of appreciation (especially to them or to your spouse)? How about thanking others in stores, restaurants, at church, etc?
Our children/children of focus crave appreciation. When they feel appreciated, they feel respected and valued. When things they do or say go unappreciated (assigned chores, saying please and thank you, helping with the other children, or showing kindness to neighbor kids), their little souls may not get filled with value. Think about it this way…Our kids are little humans and very much “pre-adults”! Isn’t it awesome when we adults are appreciated at work, at the office, or at church? Sure, we have jobs that we do everyday, but how does it make you feel when someone appreciates those “expected” tasks? Your little human/pre-adult…who, one day will be an adult, enjoys feeling valued too!
Would you take a few moments this week to appreciate the “expected” tasks your child does!
Maybe these suggestions will be helpful for creative ways to go that extra mile in letting your children know they are appreciated!
How about a little Lunch Box Love? Mom and Dad, slip little appreciation notes into their lunch box along with a special treat they really enjoy.
Be purposeful to point out what a good job they did when they complete a chore.
At dinner go around the table and have everyone share one thing they appreciate about each person at the table. Mom/Dad, you go first to lead by example.
During bedtime prayers with your child, be sure to thank God, audibly, for your little human with words of appreciation.