Appreciation In The Season

Appreciation in the Season

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

What do you appreciate most about this season you’re in?

My friend Suzanne Woods Fisher met Simon Yoders while doing research for a book, and she shares some of his family’s yearly routine in her book Amish Values for Your Family:

October brings corn harvest, cider making, apple butter—and colors and serenity that only this month can offer. Apple fritters, too! “Along about the middle of the month,” Simon says, “we hear a sound that we’ve been waiting for—the quacking and gabbling of migrating ducks and geese.” As the month draws to a close, so does Simon’s field work.

November and December are the time to tackle the messier job of butchering meat. The Yoders keep some livestock to provide fresh meat for their family. It’s also wedding season, when fields rest and there is time to devote to weddings. . . . Winter is a time of cozy fires; eating popcorn and peeled apples; quilting, reading, and playing games in the evenings; snowball fights and sleigh rides. The Yoders are stocking their icehouse.

What do you appreciate most about today, the day God has given you? Appreciation means approval of something or someone. It’s a way of placing value on the moments you have—and of valuing the One who gave you those moments. When you appreciate the day, the season, and the situation you’re in, you’re extending thankfulness for what God’s done. You look around with respect and see the good in all that’s happening.

Appreciation in honoring all that’s around you. Those with hearts of appreciation are fun to be around. And appreciative parents train up kids who follow suit.

Will you take time to look around today and to appreciate all that this season offers? Not only will the Lord appreciate your attitude, but those around you just might pick up your attitude too!

Dear heavenly Father, I appreciate all You’ve given me today. Open my eyes even more to the beauty of the season so my appreciation will grow.