“Time is like a river. You can’t touch the same water twice because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of your life.” ~ Unknown
There are many types of people that we often fail to like: bullies, know-it-alls, selfish, boorish, narcissists, and elitists, just to name a few. I think all of the groups that we could name would have one thing in common. They all are unappreciative.
We like to be appreciated. Deep down inside of us, we need to be appreciated. In many ways, appreciation is its own reward. We do not need money. We do not need a raise. We do not need a promotion. (Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with those and they are often a part of showing appreciation.) What we need is for someone to recognize what we have said or done and to thank us.
Appreciative people tend to be appreciated. Unappreciative people — such as those spoken of at the very beginning of this missive — tend to be unappreciated. It is very true: we reap what we sow. I believe we all know that inherently.
There is one who is often unappreciated and that would be God. We go through out lives not really thanking Him for what He does for us. How can we not say “Thank you, Lord!” when faced with a magnificent sunrise or sunset? How can we not say “Thank you, Lord!” when something wonderful comes our way? How can we not say “Thank you, Lord!” when we reflect upon the blessings in our lives?
When we learn to appreciate God and His gifts to us, we will begin to appreciate each other as the gifts that God has intended to place in our lives. When we come to see one another as gift and take the time to thank others for what they have done and what they mean, we can build each other up. That, I truly believe, would please the Lord.
FAITH ACTION: Try to appreciate each moment given to you today and make sure to thank God for the gift of life.