Being appreciative.

I once heard an American woman Evangelist preach from the pulpit that we Kiwi Christians need to demonstrate a whole lot more “D,V.A” – Demonstrative, Vocal, Appreciation, in our dealings with each other and our heavenly Father. It’s true some find it uncomfortable to accept help from others, but a smile and a simple thank you can change a life, and costs nothing to give. Do we miss out on a blessing because we don’t want to ask another or our Heavenly Father for help?

When our kids were very young, you could give them something little, like, a tiny box of LEGO, and they would spontaneously throw their arms around your neck and tell you how much they loved you. Even now they’ve outgrown such sentiments; we know they still appreciate what we’ve done for them. As in the natural, so in the spiritual.

If you think your efforts go unappreciated, then look at our Heavenly Father. Most mornings He turns on a sunrise so rich with vibrant colour it out-classes anything the best Hollywood special effects team could muster; and yet most of the audience sleeps right through it. do we find opportunity to thank God for the myriad little ‘God-instances’ He brings to our lives every day? 

Let this be our prayer.

“Have I ever told you how much I appreciate, having a friend like you?

A friend to share my good times with, and all my troubles too.

A friend to be myself with, a friend to care about,

A friend who’s too important, to ever do without?

Well, even though I’m certain, that you already know,

Here’s just a simple poem, to write and tell you so.”

Clem Wigmore