Appreciation : Expressing thanks, praise or commendation, particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts. Gratefully acknowledging what someone “does” (Colossians 3:15b, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
You see appreciation all over the news these days for the health care workers. Firefighters, police officers, and other grateful ones standing outside of hospitals with signs, sirens, horns, hoots, and hollers as one shift changes into another. How wonderful those health care workers must feel! Some are sacrificing their own family time, staying in a hotel so not to affect their loved ones with the virus. These workers are tired, alone and unsure of the near future. A little appreciation is good for their souls!
Do you know someone in need of a little extra appreciation these days? Maybe you are an empty-nester. Can you encourage a mom/dad that is faced with homeschooling at this time? Maybe they can’t go to work, even if they could, because their kids are home? Don’t you think they can use some encouragement?
Even those empty-nesters may need some appreciation and connection these days since those who are no longer in the nest can come see them…yet.
Birthdays, weddings, graduations, proms and all special occasions are on hold due to this virus. Can you think of a way to encourage someone facing a “life moment” that may be postponed or cancelled? Such a difficult time, these days, but a little encouragement can go a very long way!
What about your pastors? They have never pastored a church under these circumstances before. A card, call, email or text of appreciation for how they are handling everything would certainly lift them up! Even if you don’t understand the reasoning behind their decisions, acknowledging their effort is still appreciation.
To your neighbors, especially those who are alone, can you give them a little attention? Drop a card in their mailbox or some baked cookies at their door. Let them know you are thinking of them. We have even had a few “socially distanced” driveway or shade tree gatherings with a few neighbors. Keeps us all from going a little ‘stir crazy”.
I don’t know why this is all happening but God does, and He may want to show us something really life-changing. Ask Him how you may be an encouragement during this time. Be with Him and enjoy time alone with Him and with those in the “sheltering in place” place.
- Light of Jesus…. Jesus consistently told people how special they were and appreciated the things they did for Him. He commended the Roman centurion for His faith, the woman whose faith led to her daughter’s healing, the woman who touched the edge of his garment and was healed, etc. Jesus appreciates you too and wants you to know His love for you is constant. You may feel successful or like a failure at times, but our Lord loves it when we get up and try it again and again until break-through happens. We get to see it again and again with the couples we serve. They try really hard and sometimes the progress is immediate. Sometimes they have to keep getting back up and trying again. Praise Jesus that He doesn’t give up on us.
- Light of God’s Word – Do the Book….Proverbs 24:16 says it well. So “righteous man” having been declared righteous by Jesus, don’t quit! Get up and try again. You never know what a new day will bring. I know it could be another struggle, but it could also be God’s day of deliverance for you and me. If he gives you a new day, rejoice and be glad in it and trust Him again…..and again.
- Light of fellowship/friendship …..Would you talk with family and friends…eventually co-workers or even now online about how you have been appreciated or how much appreciation means to you or would have meant at key times in your life?