There’s an old saying that goes: “You never appreciate what you have until you don’t have it.” True. I think I would add… do we really know and understand what that ‘it’ is? How can one appreciate unless one knows and how can knowing occur until we understand? And when does understanding come… Circular argument. However, that doesn’t mitigate against the validity of the original saying.
Can we ‘appreciate’? Do we even know how to express ‘appreciate’? What IS appreciation?
Webster says:
“to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of / to value or admire highly / to judge with heightened perception or understanding : be fully aware of / to recognize with gratitude”
Grasp, value, judge, fully aware, recognize: the nature, worth, quality, significance, admire, understanding, gratitude. All those words are in relation to the word – appreciation. I think that for me the most significant word is, gratitude. First you have to understand that in my world of definitions, appreciate, gratitude are action words – you demonstrate them. If it isn’t expressed… how do we, others know we appreciate and value (fill in the blank). Do remember that your acknowledgement and expression is a visible witness.
While I won’t tell you what your expression should be… I will tell you that we all need to express our gratitude and appreciation. No onw likes to have what they’ve done for you to pass unnoticed. Specifically, look at how much the Lord has done for you… do others, does He see your expression?
“We’ve all heard the word “gratitude.” It is used to express thankfulness and praise. It refers to the quality of being thankful and a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Throughout life’s trials and blessings, displaying a general attitude of gratitude distinguishes the Christian, but it also makes you a lovely person to be around!”
Actually that quote [countryliving.com] came from a secular site but do see the relevance. Many of the verses in the Bible use ‘gratitude’ ‘thanks’, and ‘appreciate’ interchangeably.
“In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. ” [1 Thessalonians 5:18]
“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]…
for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. …
can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.”
[Philippians 4: 4-7,11, 13]
I can list more scriptures but this gives us our understanding. It not only tells us what to do, how to do it and the results (blessings) that results. The delight that I found, when I do speak/act on words of gratitude/thanks/appreciation, is that it is I who am blessed because I see the growth in me as one of my results.
