The Power Of Appreciation

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Proverbs 18:21

AFTER A VIOLIN CONCERT BY young Suzuki students, an instructor spoke briefly on how children as young as two years old are taught to play violin. First, the children learn the proper stance. Second, the children learn how to take a bow—even before they have picked up a violin. “If the children just play the violin and stop, people may forget to show their appreciation,” the instructor said. “But when the children bow, the audience invariably applauds. And applause is the best motivator we’ve found to make children feel good about performing and want to do it well.”

Adults love applause too. Being affirmed makes us feel noticed and special. Mark Twain once confessed he could “live on a good compliment two weeks with nothing else to eat.” He was simply admitting what most of us feel privately—that we all need a lift from time to time. As the writer of Proverbs observes, “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray” (Proverbs 25:11, HCSB). Praise is a wonderful thing. Yet we are sometimes reluctant to give the warm sunshine of praise and appreciation to the person most dear to us.

If you want to rekindle or sustain the flames of love in your marriage, express your appreciation for your wife. Be specific with your praise, be truthful, and be generous. Put some applause in your marriage, and watch love grow.

BOTTOM LINE

Remember to appreciate your wife every day, not just for the things she does, but for who she is. It is a great way to improve your relationship.

Moment of Strength: Proverbs 10:11