Appreciation: Expressing thanks, praise or commendation, particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts. Gratefully acknowledging what someone “does”
(Colossians 3:15b, 1 Corinthians 11:2)
The year 2020 has been SOME KIND OF YEAR, hasn’t it? One weird thing after another! Pandemic, riots, brother/sister against brother/sister, isolation, masks, social distancing…crazy stuff! For far too many, 2020 is just a bowl full of lemons! How about we make some lemonade instead?!
We can get so caught up in discouragement. You may have had/still have COVID, lost your job because of COVID, have a close friend who has had it. You may now have to struggle financially, emotionally, spiritually, physically! Stress can seem to just build and build as the months drag on from the pandemic. Friend, take a breather.
One way we can turn this “lemon” of a year into lemonade is remembering ALL we do have. By focusing on all that is good in your world leads you to appreciate what/who you have in your life, and that can turn your heart-focus around.
Have you lost a little of your appreciation? We can lose our appreciation when life seems so out of our control… because we feel it! Why not rest in the truth that God is the One in control. Can you show Him a little appreciation? Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Our communities need us, friends. Kids are hungry, parents are stressed, people are bickering about whose cause is more important, evil is running at high speed right now. Oh, BUT GOD…(the best realization) He can use you right now in the midst to bring His light and love to others. Are you willing?
One thing that has recently happened in my community is a Community Fridge. This outside refrigerator and pantry is for the community to come and give or take as needed. Many families are struggling financially right now, so being able to come and take fresh food for their families can bring such relief.
My heart has been drawn to this effort so much but in a different way than you may think. Sure I am contributing food, but I feel led to encourage the store that has started this Community Fridge. I appreciate this little store so much because they selflessly do so much for others. They bring food trucks in, they write notes of appreciation on the windows of their business. Their hearts are for this community! They have only been in business for under two years. I know the pandemic has hurt them, but they keep pushing forward so I purposely shop at their store to show my appreciation.
I feel God may ask me to do more to show my appreciation, but I am not clear on that yet. I tell you this because you can show appreciation in small (shop local) or huge (start a Community Fridge) ways, however God leads, but we need to start asking.
When you begin to appreciate all that you have it turns your focus off yourself and your circumstances and leads you to show appreciation to others. Isn’t that what God wants from us? He knows what’s going on right now! Will you trust Him to meet you as you have need? Will you allow Him to use you at this time? Let’s get out the ice and sugar (or Stevia as you choose) and squeeze those lemons and start making some yummy lemonade! (Last corny pun but you get the picture)
- Walk in the light of Jesus: How did Jesus turn the “lemons to lemonade” for those He served? Check these examples: Matthew 8 :1-16 describes how He met a man with leprosy, a centurion with a sick servant, and Peter’s very ill mother in law. He turned lemons to lemonade! How has Jesus done the lemons to lemonade miracle for you?
- Walk in the light of “doing God’s Word”- Do the Book. Check out Luke 10:25-37 and see how a man turned lemons to lemonade for another man in desperate need.
- Walk in the light of real fellowship / friendship with other believers. Describe to at least one other person what God has done for you in turning a bad situation into a blessing for you or others or both! In fact what have you heard or personally experienced a way God has used this time of lock downs and limits to be a blessing? Share it with a friend. OK?