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)
Appreciation/Children
Adults understand the impact that being appreciated or unappreciated has on them personally. What about kids? Do you think they feel the same impact? I am certain the answer is “YES”, but they may not fully understand it.
Children can feel the positive effects of being well-appreciated by those in their circle of influencers. Children who grow up feeling well-loved will have a good chance of developing a positive, balanced view of themselves and the ability to express appreciation to others.
A child can also feel the rejection of being unappreciated. The difference is that when you are a child , processing these feelings are processed as a child.
When a child goes unappreciated for a very long time, he/she may grow into an adult with low self-esteem, may become a people-pleaser, may keep pain stuffed down inside, may develop a quick temper, and perhaps not even know how to handle appreciation because it is not a “normal” feeling for them. A child has a difficult time processing feelings in a mature way.
Children are likely to trust those in their circle of influencers. Kids process their surroundings often by the feelings generated by those surroundings. They may not understand why they feel the way they do, and they may grow to feel they are 100% of every problem.
How a child is treated has a huge impact on what they feel about themselves when they become an adult.
Jesus – The Light of the World
(Jesus Meets Our Need For Appreciation)
Jesus certainly appreciates children! He tells us in Matthew 18:3 “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” He is not saying to actually be a child but to have the innocence, trust and faith that most young children have.
Aren’t you thankful that God thinks so highly of you? Do you have the “fully abandoned”, “no fear” trust in your Heavenly Father as children have in their parents? Think about that for a moment. As a parent, we want our children to trust us completely, don’t we? We want them to come and talk with us, not just when they have a problem – though we welcome that, but just to sit and chat? God wants the same from you, my friend. Take some time and just chat with your Heavenly Father-Abba. He appreciates your life, your love, your worship, and your intimacy with Him. He built us to have it!
His Word – A lamp and a Light
Let’s do: Mark 10:15: “ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Children are sorta’ like puppies-playful, trusting, happy, giving unconditional love. They have no fear, no boundaries. Joy seems more normal for them. Laughter flows freely. When loved well, a child flourishes and likely will grow into a healthy adult. Sadly, the opposite is true as well.
Maybe we can learn more about God from our children. Observe them, see their sweet, carefree spirit. How do they treat others? There is no prejudice. When they hurt, who do they turn to? (That would be you – dad/mom)
God appreciates and desires us to be like these precious innocent ones in our relationship with Him. Sure, you are an adult. Being an adult brings, well, adult things. Pressures and responsibilities are the norm but, what if you crawled up in your Abba’s lap and allowed our spirit to be as free as a child? Even just for a few minutes.
You And I Are “The Light of the World” – Jesus Said So.
Your children look to you. That in itself is a huge responsibility but, oh, what a true gift!
Build up your child with appreciation for what he/she does at school, home and also how they treat others. You will not only teach your child that you appreciate and value what they do, but you will also be teaching them that he/she should treat others the same. Children learn by what they see more than what we say.
Will you appreciate them as much as God does? Every dirty fingerprint you wipe off for the millionth time, appreciate those moments. Your messy house filled with toys, your sleep-deprived body, your long days at work to come home to children who want to play…appreciate them. The time goes so quickly. You are raising your children to become adults. They will leave your home to live their own life and these moments will be a memory.