The Power Of Appreciation

"What is it you appreciate?"

Too often we get caught up in complaining instead of celebrating. Rather than focusing on how to grow a relationship, a business, or even a family together, we often pay attention to what is not working in the situation.

Proverbs 11:17
Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.

Celebrate your spouses talents. Celebrate your childrens talents. Celebrate your friends talents. And Jesus even asks us to celebrate the talents of those we're not very fond of!

The only true gift is a portion of yourself. Ralph Waldo Emerson

God sees the heart, not the hand—the giver, not the gift. Benjamin R. De Jong

Kindness makes a fellow feel good whether it's being done to him or by him. Frank A. Clark

How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. George Elliston

Everyone can benefit from a little appreciation now and again. Read how Paul would flavor his letters with love and appreciation to the people he loved so dearly.

Colossians 4:7-15
Tychicus, a much loved brother, will tell you how I am getting along. He is a faithful helper who serves the Lord with me. I have sent him on this special trip to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and much loved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will give you all the latest news.

Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas's cousin. And as you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish Christians among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!

Epaphras, from your city, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident of the whole will of God. I can assure you that he has agonized for you and also for the Christians in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Dear Doctor Luke sends his greetings, and so does Demas. Please give my greetings to our Christian brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and those who meet in her house.

If you wake up in a bad mood, speak words of encouragement and thoughtfulness (or at the very least put a lid on your complaints), so that everyone else in your house has the chance to begin the day with joy. The same goes for employees, staff, and everyone else that crosses your path.

Let's practice this kind of appreciation. Regardless of the kind of day that you're having, freely give a good day to everyone else. Offer encouragement. Share a compliment. Say what you have to say with gentleness. Give others hope. It won't just change the direction of your day, it will change the direction of your life.