Appreciation

Taking time to focus on your marriage is so important; yet so many times life gets in the way and keeps us busy.  That is why I started a weekly "Marriage Reflections" for couples who wanted to make sure they were putting their marriage on the front burner instead of the back burner.  Couples simply get an email every week that gives them an action/word to consider. 

I thought I would share week one with you.  Week one took a look at the word and act of  appreciation.

Appreciation

The definition of appreciation according to Dictionary.com is as follows…

1. Gratitude; thankful recognition
2. The act of estimating the qualities of things and giving them their proper value
3. An increase or rise in the value of property, goods, etc.

To appreciate something is simple.  The act of appreciation can be done with words, a gesture, or even a look.  For instance, to stop and take a look at God’s magnificent beauty is an act of appreciation.  To tell someone “Thank You” is an act of appreciation.  To wave and say Hi to someone is an act of appreciation.

If appreciation is just a simple act, then why did I choose this word to focus on for the week?  Simply put…it is a simple act that we forget to do for the ones we love the most.  Think back to when you were dating and you were on your “best” behavior.  You said “Please” and “Thank you”.  You probably held the door open for your date.  You listened intently to the conversation.  Then you got married and reality came about J. 

The reality being you live with each other 24/7.  You see each other’s bad habits.  You have to work things out to benefit the both of you.  You get involved with work, kids, other activities, etc and the simple acts in our lives can go by the wayside.  We forget to appreciate our spouse.  We forget to value them as noted in the third definition of appreciation.  Our spouse is not a property or a good but one that needs to feel value.  By taking the time to appreciate our spouse we are valuing them.

Scripture even talks about appreciation given to one another.  Proverbs 31:27-28 states…”She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Colossians 3:15 notes…”And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful.”

This week take the time to appreciate one another.  Appreciate the little things each other does.  Appreciate the differences you have.  Appreciate your Lord together.  When you take time appreciate one another make sure you use words and actions and in doing that you will see your spouse in a different light.

Cheryl