APPRECIATION

 

Three simple words, yet so powerful!

They were the parting words from the cashier, as I finished paying for my purchase at a local Dollar General store. Frankly, it surprised me. I don’t think a cashier has ever said that to me before. As I walked to my car and got inside, ready to start the engine, those three words echoed in my mind. They prompted me to go back into the store with one of my books in tow.

I said, “This is a little strange, but I was wondering if you would like this book” showing it to her. Her face lit up when she saw it and a huge smile came over her countenance. I said, “You can use it as a 90-day devotional.” She said, “That is just perfect, I like devotionals. We are new to the area and are adjusting to life here.”

As I walked away, the cashier again said,

 

 

I smiled and left the store with joy in my heart, being in awe of God’s perfect orchestration. You see, it started with the simple act of wanting to send a sympathy card to a man I met a few times who lives an hour and a half away from me. I did not realize his wife, whom a mutual friend shared my first book with, had died a few weeks earlier. Later I met her and gave her my second book. I was surprised when one day she got my cell phone number from our mutual friend. We had a lovely conversation when she called to say how grateful she was for the books and encouraged me to keep writing.

On this day, I was running a few errands before I met a friend for coffee. My plans were to go to a different Dollar General later in the day. Since I was a few minutes early, I put Dollar General in my GPS to see which one of the two I had in mind was closest. Much to my surprise, I had forgotten about the one that was actually the closest to where I was, which was the one I stopped at. Only God, in His perfect orchestrations, could work all of those “little” details out for His glory!

 

Photo courtesy of BK under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

While reflecting on this encounter, three main thoughts came to mind.

1-To always be in awe of God.

 

I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.  –Habakkuk 3:2  (NLT)

Once again, I was in awe of God, thinking about how He worked so many little details to orchestrate that God moment. He is truly amazing with how He does it!

How many times does God…

…orchestrate the perfect events in our lives?

…save us from danger?

…work things out for our good?

…use us to minister in someone else’s life?

…brighten our days through a simple act of kindness we do for someone?

…use us to spread kindness to a stranger, perhaps without even knowing it?

 

Do you take time to be in awe of God working in you and in your life, and thank Him for His goodness?

 

2-To tell people, with sincerity, “I appreciate you!”

 

I thank my God every time I remember you.  –Philippians 1:3  (NIV)

Think about the people you encounter in a day…

…your family and friends.

…people in your church community.

…the postal worker.

…the server at a restaurant.

…your pastor.

…your prayer warriors.

…teachers.

…your coworkers.

 

Do you…

…take time to think about the gifts they share?

…thank them for the encouragement they provide?

…appreciate the uniqueness of everyone God made?

 

Do you tell the people in your life that you appreciate and value the gift they are to you?

 

3-To tell God, our Abba, with sincerity, “I appreciate you!”

 

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  –Psalm 106:1  (NLT)

Think about what life would be like without God.

If God were not real…

…our lives would have no purpose.

…we would not experience love.

…miracles would not happen.

 

Everything we have in this life and for eternity is because of God!

 

God has provided us with…

…the air we breathe.

…the food we eat.

…the people who are community to us.

…all of nature to enjoy.

…the ability to think.

…the ways we experience love and joy.

 

Does your life reflect appreciation to God for all He has given to you and for all that you are? His Spirit and breath of life is in you!

 

Be encouraged this week to…

…be in awe and thankfulness for God’s orchestrations in your life.

…use the phrase “I appreciate you!” to show your sincere heartfelt gratitude to people.

…tell God how much you appreciate everything He has given to you.

…tell God how much you appreciate Him living in you.

 

++++++++++++++++++++

“Being told you’re appreciated

is one of the simplest

and most uplifting things

you can hear.”  –Sue Fitzmaurice

 

 

I hope you hear the sincerity in my voice when I say to you, my dear reader,

 

 

I am grateful to be on this journey of life with you~

 

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. –Psalm 9:1 (NLT)