Appreciating God

Appreciation. What does this word mean to you? Recently a friend of mine felt guilty about not appreciating all of God's blessings in her life, a beautiful family, a great husband, and two healthy sons, all she'd ever wanted; because she way having "one of those days", for no apparent reason. This got me thinking, (as most things do).. How much do we REALLY appreciate the people in our lives, and all of God's blessings? And how often do you show your appreciation?

I came to realise, after a few perplexing, and somewhat inconclusive conversations with others, as well as within myself; that sometimes it is important to go without something, or to sacrifice something of significance, tangible or other. In this way, the acknowledgement of it's absence brings about an appreciation, without which we often take things for granted.

As I delved deeper within my own experiences, as well as those of friends and family, I derived a few examples of what I'm getting at. For any working individual, who is required to go away on business for any period of time, be it a brief stop-over in a neighbouring town, or an extended stay in China, whatever the case may be, the absence is felt, and often dreaded. I personally think it should be embraced; because I'm sure that there are people that you see, and things yo walk past everyday, all of which mean the world to you, but you forget to appreciate, and sometimes take for granted. Remember the last sunrise you saw, or a flower you found in a field; remember how it made you feel whilst you could see it, and appreciate it? Why can't it be like that with everything else? Especially with God, Who created all these things?

I pray for a day when appreciation finally finds it's way back into our minds, and our hearts.A day when a husband will bring his wife flowers, not for any occasion, but just to let her know that she is appreciated? I long for a day when every person can spend some time in the presence of Christ. Not only at the times when we pray for a blessing or forgiveness, but just because we appreciate the sacrifice that was made on the cross; because that was more blessing and forgiveness than you could ever pray for, and it was all done unconditionally, long before you were even born! So why can't we always appreciate the gift of life? I'm afraid that after a while it gets taken for granted, and is only appreciated when it is too late. Don't be afraid to show someone or something, or God, your appreciation. And don't get all forlorn and distraught when you have to go without someone or something, it will only be gone for a while, but God will never leave your side. -One moment of sacrifice brings about a greater appreciation than a lifetime of  longing-. Hey, that's deep, and it is my own quote, I hope that it is remembered one day, when I'm gone..

So why not stop for a few minutes to take in that sunrise, or to smell that flower? Why not tell someone that they mean the world to you, just because they do. And why not take a moment to praise God, for all the little things He has created that make up your beautiful life? I believe that if you stop and notice something or someone, and the memory of it stays with you, it was put right there, at that moment, not by coincidence, but by God,  for you to notice, as a gift. Why not take the time to appreciate it?

"I would rather be able to appreciate the things I can not have, that to have things I am not able to appreciate." - Elbert Hubbard.