Would You Appreciate It If We Would Stop This / Start That?

I ‘Preciate It!

Appreciation Expressed is Much Better Than Being Grateful But Keeping Quiet

One very helpful practice in which Carol and I have seen improvement is meeting the need for appreciation. Around the time of the “revival” in our relationship 28 years ago, spoken appreciation was at a low ebb. We did not realize how helpful it would be to the growth of our love relationship by simply telling each other, “Thank you for working so hard, or for listening so well, or for trying to improve your health, or for cooking our meals, etc.” You might think that everyone is good at recognizing and verbalizing these things, but not necessarily.

I remember Carol telling me after realizing the truth that she had always been grateful for my work and kindnesses, but she rarely verbalized it. What a blessing to hear gratitude verbalized…often and spontaneously. It was assumed that I knew of her gratefulness. It means the world to me to hear her say that she appreciates me. I too am working at expressing thanks more often and more openly.

I have written and re-written this article several times and have decided to list those things for which I am grateful and for which you may want/need a reminder. If you want to read the background, I will include it at the end of this piece after the music video link. OK? OK!

People / Practices for which I am grateful and am seeking to express my thanks…

1. Those who focus on halting drug and sex trafficking, modern day slavery of all kinds
2. Those who are working to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ
3. Those who invest in ministries focused on healing relationships
4. Those who help prepare individuals for abundant relationships
5. Those who protect our freedoms through law enforcement and military service
6. Those working to stop abortion and provide alternatives to save lives of babies and mothers
7. Those who mentor and train others to come alongside those in trouble financially or relationally
8. Those who provide counsel and therapy for people having trouble in life
9. Those who work for racial reconciliation
10. Those who lead their family well
11. Those who lead churches and ministries to do Matthew 22:37-39; 28:19-20
12. Those who bring couples and families back together by stopping divorce or helping heal family members if/when divorce occurs
13. Those who promote loving, godly marriages as one of the greatest healing remedies for the brokenness in our culture
14. Those who feed and help meet other physical needs where the resources are needed
15. Those who serve us via the medical community and health agencies whom God uses daily to save lives and promote healthy life-styles
16. Though He should be #1, my gratitude goes to the Lord Jesus Christ for coming to live among us, living a perfect life free from sin, then dying on the cross to pay for my sin debt and yours. This Savior rose from the dead on the third day and because He lives, those who trust in Him for forgiveness and mercy will live forever with Him. Yes, I do believe and am eternally grateful. Thank Him, too!
17. I know I have left out some people and categories around the world who do a great deal to help us live abundantly in freedom, and perhaps you can add others and share your gratitude with them/for them.