Appreciate Them While You Can

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it all into words is all that is necessary.” —Margaret Cousins


    This week the thought of appreciation weighed heavily on my spirit. Having some financial knowledge one would naturally think of some sort of tangible asset. For example, property, money or even some sort of business venture. Financial success or wealth most times hinges on making sound investments. In very rare cases, someone may win the lottery or be given a large sum of cash which could change the financial course of their lives forever. Even in that circumstance if the money isn't handled properly there won't be much left for very long. The word appreciation, as I thought and prayed about it, had less to do with income or wealth and more to do with the blessings that we experience daily. I recently met someone who was able to retire early. Though he had time and the money to enjoy it, he didn't have anyone special to enjoy it with. That speaks volumes. That says that no matter how much money you have it’s the things money cannot buy that will last the longest and most times mean the most. 

    Where does the Godly perspective come in? I think it's safe to say we are all familiar with gratitude, but why don't we show more appreciation? Romans 13:7 says it clearly, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (KJV) By definition, appreciation means added value. Appreciation means honor. There is respect and high esteem involved with appreciation. 1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. (NIV) Appreciation on a lot of levels means that something gets better with time. You recognize the full worth of something, someone or even an experience. When God blesses us we usually are over the moon about it to start.  We are thankful, yet over time the novelty wears off and we may even complain or take for granted what was given as a divine gift. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (NKJV) It’s ironic how quickly we forget this theology. 

    For example, if you have been given a family, spouse, children, parents or even friends why don't we honor those relationships more often? The Bible even tells us to honor our father and mother that our days might be longer. (Ex. 20:12, Deut. 5:16, Eph. 6:1-3) God will literally extend our lives when we show respect to our parents. Here’s some other food for thought. What if we took the time to honor and value our spouses? Wives are to respect their husbands. (Eph.5:33) This concept isn’t just for the wives as some of us have been taught. This equally applies to husbands as well. 1 Peter 3:7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. (NKJV) Even for those of us who have children the word of God charges us to appreciate having them. Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord, The fruit of the womb a reward. (AMP) This entire outlook can change the world. 

    One more thing I want to bring home. We don't celebrate those who support and pour into us the way we should. Romans 12:10 says that those of us who are believers should ,” Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” (NKJV) When placed in the proper perspective we will not take one another for granted so easily.  Oftentimes in our own selfishness and fleshly worldview,  we expect that those who have been there will always be there. I personally have been guilty of taking someone I value or treasured for granted. Appreciation counters this mentality. Truth is,we never know if one day the person we've leaned on so heavily could leave our lives for good or maybe even leave this Earth. If they are a blessing to us, why not show them appreciation while we still can? Let’s esteem them not just in words, but in our actions. Especially if they freely pour into us regularly, that doesn't make us entitled to their gifts of love. Quite the contrary, that's all the more reason to see the greater impact that these relationships have on our overall well-being. 

Let’s pray: God we first of all thank you for giving us those who love and care for us. We know that it is by your grace and mercy that causes us to have what it is we need. We have so many people in our lives that need to be appreciated a little bit more. There are people that have given to us in one way, shape or form and we haven’t always valued them properly. Forgive us, Lord. You sent Your Son as a gift and have even used other people to show Your love for us. Lord, we know that tomorrow is not promised. Help us to use everyday as an opportunity to treat the ones we have in our lives with esteem, kindness, love, respect and appreciation. Help us not to take them for granted. Show us how to hold those we love near to our hearts. Assist us so that we are not so focused on ourselves that we miss a chance to treasure those around us. No one is perfect and God we are aware that it is only because of You that we have anyone in our lives to share it with. For those of us who desire to have more intimate relationships let us be prepared to receive them wholeheartedly. Encourage us to value the relationships and give with a selfless heart. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for changing us daily as we draw closer to you. In Jesus name. Amen.


Scripture References: Romans 13:7, 1 Peter 2:17 NIV, James 1:17 NKJV, Exodus 20:12, Deut. 5:16, Eph. 6:1-3, Eph.5:33, 1 Peter 3:7 NKJV, Psalm 127:3 AMP, Psalm 127:3 AMP, Romans 12:10 NKJV (all verses KJV unless otherwise specified.)


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