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)
Did you know there are special appreciation days for Pastor’s, Employee’s, Teacher’s, Customer’s, Volunteer’s, First Responder’s, Military, Family, Community and members and even a Cow Appreciation Day (Chick-Fil-A)!? I am sure there are more kinds of “Appreciation Days”, as these are just a few that popped up on my search engine. Why do you think there are so many??? Could it be that these special groups of people, as well as us, need to feel appreciated?
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.
Since there are so many “appreciation” days how about we add one more! How about we add a Jesus Appreciation Day? Well really…it should be His Appreciation Day 365 days of the year!
Would you spend some time each day appreciating your Lord? Tell Him specific things or ways you appreciate Him. You know, I wouldn’t be surprised that as you share your appreciation to God that your own heart will fill up! Just the act of remembering and telling God all you appreciate about Him from the day will bring HIS joy into your heart..an extra benefit!!! 🙂
I think it is wonderful to speak about our appreciation of God’s love and provision, but since Jesus received praise and worship from many in His time on earth, I am sure He still enjoys it today. He deserves your praise and mine as much as the praise and thanksgiving He received from those He healed, forgave, and blessed while here walking this earth. Oh how He loves us, friends! Let us share our appreciation of Him with Him!
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:1 Thessalonians 5: 12-13
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
I am so thankful for all those behind the scenes, unknown faces that show up each and every Sunday morning to get church ready for everyone. They get up earlier than the rest of us. They fight the summer heat, winter cold and rainy or snowy weather. They do the work most don’t want to. They are the volunteers!!! Our church wouldn’t function well without them!
What about the neighbor that brings other neighbors together or the co-worker that goes the extra mile to show other workers they matter? What about the friend that calls or shows up at your door with hot soup when you are sick? You know some of these wonderful people. Don’t you? Your life has “bumped into” theirs. Hasn’t it?
Wouldn’t it be amazing to appreciate them for their sacrificial service and recognize them for the work they do? I mean…what a surprise if you showed up at church with donuts or a gift card for some of the volunteers or invited that neighbor over to your home for lunch. What if you left a card at that co-workers desk or took the opportunity to BE the friend that brings the soup or makes the call??? Wouldn’t those that volunteer quietly smile or happily express thanksgiving for being remembered?
Some years ago there was an app called “Bump” and when you gently bumped another phone having that same app, the picture or file simply appeared on the target phone. Amazing. I thought it was anyway. You will notice that when someone bumps your life with service, you receive that service and want to show gratitude back to them. Perhaps you want to serve the one who served you just because you appreciate what they did. And the bump goes on!
How can you show appreciation to the one that has “bumped” your life? Maybe you can take notice at church…who cleans the bathrooms, who parks cars, who greets, who works nursery? What could you do for them? How can you appreciate the neighbor or co-worker or sweet friend?
Would you appreciate them on purpose this week? Maybe you want to make that a monthly goal for yourself??? It would make someone smile for sure!!!
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with Believers and Others: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
Walking in fellowship (Light source #3) goes along with Light Source #2. By being intentional in someone’s life and letting them know you “see” them and they matter to you, it helps you build a relationship with that person. For example: If you never acknowledged one of those dear people, you couldn’t really walk in fellowship with them, but by being purposeful in their life and by showing appreciation to them, that opens the door for fellowship and relationship.
Ask God to lay one of those special people on your heart. Maybe it will be the Pastor, Worship leader, parking attendant, greeter, janitor, neighbor, friend, co-worker…. could be anyone that volunteers their time and talents. Would you thank them? Appreciate them? I know their day will be made! Maybe yours will too!