Appreciation

Appreciation

Gratitude is at the center of a life of faith. It sounds too simple to be true, but isn’t that the sign of all deep truth: so simple we’re tempted to dismiss it, and so hard, it is exactly what God uses to change our hard lives.

Ann Voskamp

An attitude of thanks puts everything into perspective. Take a moment and think about the people who have encouraged you. What did they say that gave you fresh hope and a new perspective? What specific things did they do to meet your needs and demonstrate their love? How did they help carry your burden? How did they support you and remind you to keep going in the midst of adversity? How did they bring light to the dark despair you’d been experiencing?

You have been comforted by My people. Now ask Me to reveal ways you can show your gratitude for what they have done. Speak to them about the value of what they provided at the very time you needed encouragement. Let them see the joy-filled results of their kindness and the blessing they brought to your life. As they have needs of their own, reach out to them. Find thoughtful, personal ways to demonstrate the kind of love you received from them. Even if your own pain is weighing you down, find someone who needs a word of hope. I’ll give you the strength to bless that person, and in that process, you’ll discover that your own hardship is easier to bear.

They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

1 Corinthians 16:18