Appreciation
Expressing thanks, praise, or communication, particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts.
1 Corinthians 11:2 Colossians 3:15 b
A Worthy Goal: (a little “Truth in Love” from TBI)
Don’t stop investing wisely into your marriage and family until your children and friends envy your relationship and want what you have…. “faith expressing itself in love” – Galatians 5:6.
A few of you may (most of you won’t) remember when The Andy Griffith Show was an actual TV show – not a rerun from the old days. One thing Andy used to say often was, “I ‘preciate it”. He was very kind to others even the criminals he and Barney apprehended.
I’ve been wondering how well we show appreciation… especially at home to our spouse and children.
Have you worked really hard on a home project: to keep your home clean, to prepare a great meal or to fix something that had been needing repair? Did anyone notice or say “thank you for your hard work”? We don’t have to have a huge reward, right? But when others rarely or never notice our efforts, it’s not a pleasant experience. Is it? Is it possible that your spouse has felt unappreciated as well? Let’s work on communicating love to our spouse via Appreciation this week.
Have a great week!
Sincerely, Dave Lewis The Basic Idea Helping Leaders Live Loved and Give Love Freely….Starting at Home!
Set aside a few minutes this week or plan a date night to discuss APPRECIATION.
Husband, would you lead this time? Please be prepared to lead by reviewing the questions below. When ready, please initiate a “LOVE (Speak)” time.
LOVE (SPEAK) Fresh Encounter with Jesus Christ
Does Jesus commend only women named Mary in the first century? In Luke 10:42 Jesus expressed appreciation for Mary’s wise choice.
1. Since Hebrews 13:8 lets us know Jesus doesn’t change, would you ask God this question, “Father, how do you feel about me as I attempt to make wise choices and choose You over all other potential “gods” in my life? You may discover that Jesus has gratitude in His heart for you, even as you grow in gratitude for Him.
Frequent Experiences in the Word (Do The Book)
Let’s Do Colossians 3:15 and “be thankful”!
2. “Nagging” is a part of the language of alone. It leaves the nagger and the “naggee” alone / disconnected. How do you define “nagging”? How does “nagging” neutralize or prevent expressions of appreciation? How is “nagging” not “speaking the truth in love”? Nagging fits the Proverbs 15:1b (last part of the verse) model.
3. Why do you think “nagging” accomplishes so little toward building a healthy friendship in marriage? For what do you nag your spouse?
4. Do you have to be overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude in order to appropriately show appreciation to another? What are some things your spouse does during the course of a week that are, in fact, praise-worthy and for which he/she should be shown appreciation?
Enjoy Real Fellowship with Your Spouse
5. How do you indicate to your spouse that you appreciate his/her efforts and what he/she does? What would your spouse say are ways he/she wants to be appreciated? Appreciation can be for effort as well as for accomplishments. Don’t you love it when folks recognize your efforts and take note of your hard work. Come together in a Marriage Staff Meeting (date night, coffee time by the fire, a few minutes before bedtime) and discuss your answers to the above questions and pray for each other. Thank God for your spouse and tell Him specifically why you appreciate him/her.)
Now — What About the Kids? “Ask- Listen- Respond”
You and your children may benefit from discussing the following questions with your spouse or other caring adult.
It’s sometimes easy to feel that we’re “nagging” our kids about this or that, too, isn’t it?
1. This week, let’s try to look for opportunities to tell our children that we appreciate it – when they do something without being asked, obey the first time, or do a good job cleaning his or her room. Or maybe you can recognize their effort in a particular area, and tell them you notice that they are working so hard and that you appreciate that!
2. Another approach is to let your children know each time you notice them “Doing the Bible”. (i.e., when you hear them giving a soft answer, let them know at the appropriate time that you saw them “Do Proverbs 15:1), or if they are kind to a friend or sibling (they “did” Ephesians 4:32). One more example: When you see them being loving toward a sibling or friend, you can tell them that you saw them “Do” I John 4: 7)
Don’t Forget to Pray – *Why not pray for your children with them listening as you thank God for some of the things you’ve noticed them making an effort to accomplish and just for the fact that God gave them to you to love?
Appreciation / Gratitude —It’s in the Book!!
1 Corinthians 11:2 I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.