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) In believers and others
They are out there!!! You know…the ones that wear superhero capes under their clothes. No one really ever sees the cape, but it waves freely in the breeze whenever the wearer takes a step out to volunteer, teach, mentor, lead, protect, serve, lend a hand, use a skill…make a difference. These everyday superheroes are among us in our daily lives! They can be our neighbors, co-workers, church family or even in our own family! Do you notice?? Once you have, do you extend appreciation to these unsung heroes? Maybe you have a cape peeking out of your own shirt… 😉 Thank you for what you do!! The world is a better place because of YOU!
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Appreciation
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12) Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus. (Appreciation)
I wonder…Have you ever had an encounter with one of these superheroes and they were a God-send? Someone that met a need in your life….. Someone God used directly to answer a prayer.
I believe if we took notice we would see many cape-wearers.
When my kids were young, finances were very tight. We were in a recession, and my husband had lost his job. We struggled each week to pay our bills and put food on the table. During that time, God gave us many “caped” friends to swoop in to save the day.
One day God used my Aunt as a caped hero. My husband and I felt from the Lord that our oldest son was to attend a private school. We knew we did not have the money. Remember we had no income! One day I prayed, “Lord, I don’t even know if this is allowed but I need to know for sure. The deposit for school is $100.00, I need this to come out of the blue. I need to know that it is absolutely you saying we should have our son go to this school.” Get ready……I go to my mailbox that day and guess what???? My Aunt sent me a letter that said, “I felt God tell me to send you this!” Can you guess?? It was $100.00!!!! My Aunt had no idea I prayed a prayer that day!!! God = mic drop!! Haha We experienced God! He uses all of us! He intertwines us all. I am absolutely amazed how God chooses to use his sons and daughters and how he uses us in each others lives.
In what ways has God intervened for you? Have you given Him praise for His provision? Would you like to now?
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: Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Doing “all in the name of the Lord Jesus”means bringing honor to Christ in everything you do or say. As believers, we represent Christ at all times. Do you leave an accurate impression of Christ on those you encounter? Appreciation is one way to reflect Christ to others. How often do you see appreciation taking place around you? Not often – if I had to guess. It seems we just get wrapped up in the task at hand, and we forget to notice those around us. How very sad!
What if you changed that? What if you paid attention to what others are doing around you and thanked them for it? What if you tipped your server more than you normally do? What if you actually asked the clerk at the grocery store how his/her day is going today? What if you invited your neighbors over for coffee? What if you turn your heart towards others with appreciation whenever possible? What if????? Let’s do this!!!
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with your spouse: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
What does “real fellowship” with believers and others look like? Suppose you invited all the neighbors on your block over for coffee and dessert just to get to know them. How do you think they would feel about the invitation? Would they feel appreciated, thought of, encouraged? Probably…maybe nervous as this may not be the “norm.” That is the point though…be “abnormal”! BE the one on the block that reaches out! Sure it is out of our comfort zone, but that is exactly when God shows up!
Look at the opportunities all around you. Consider…. this is God’s will for you to be where you are and around those with whom you do life. Are you in the house you live in by chance – the neighbors around you, by chance – the church you attend, by chance – the place where you work everyday, by chance – the grocer, the barber, your kids’ school…by chance? God wants to use you to be His light in those very places! We all want to be appreciated in what we do and for who we are. What an opportunity we have all around us to do just that!
Would you step out in courage this week and show some “appreciation-love” to someone you normally would not? I am going to accept this challenge as well, and I am going to invite my neighbors over. This is out of my comfort zone for sure. I am an introvert at heart, but God will show up…I have no doubt!
Would you share with us what you did to show appreciation to a believer or someone else in your life this week? Your story can make a huge difference to someone else. As God uses you and you let Him, your experience can speak to others maybe allowing them to step out in faith too.