Can you say ap·pre·ci·ate? I thought you could.

Working with Katy and Micah this summer has allowed me to wear the name tag “Mr. Rogers”.  For years I have been called Pastor Greg partly in effort to resist all of the “how’s your neighborhood” jokes.  But today, I’m embracing the association of Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood) by highlighting a word for the day -Appreciation.  Can you say ap·pre·ci·ate?.  Sure you  can, good job.

Seriously, appreciation is taken from the root Latin words meaning to “add more price”, Webster defines it as to grasp the worth, value or nature, to admire highly or judge with heightened perception of value.

Paul encourages expressing appreciation.  ¹⁷ I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ¹⁸ For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.    I Corinthians 16:17-18 NIV

 Many begin this discussion with all of the ways that we feel un-appreciated.  We think we give great effort at work and possibly no one notices…definitely not reflected in our pay.  Or perhaps, you are in a relationship in which you feel that you are giving far more than the other person.  Moms are possibly the most under-appreciated people on the planet for their tireless and nonstop work of providing care for the home.

 But the important question is “how do YOU communicate appreciation”?  There is no certain right way to do it, but not communicating appreciation is always wrong or at least selfish.  Some of you will communicate it through words, acts of service, giving of gifts, spending time with a person, of physical touch.  You may recognize these as the five love languages by Gary Smalley.  The key is that there is a variety of ways to communicate to someone how much you value them.

 I would like to pose a series of questions to stimulate your thinking about increasing the appreciation atmosphere in your world.  For true appreciation is like a boomerang.  The more you throw it out, it eventually will come back to you.

-       How would an atmosphere of appreciation change your work environment?

-       How does your spouse know that you highly value their worth in your life?

-       Would others consider you to be someone who is appreciative?

-        IF the shoe fits, why do you struggle expressing appreciation?

-       How could expressing appreciation to God enhance your spiritual closeness to Him?  In what ways do you communicate it?   The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:3 NIV

 This side of heaven we have the freedom to use our tongue for as much good as possible.  Communicating heartfelt and deserved appreciation is always a win – win.

I just wanted to say, “I hope your neighborhood is full of appreciation- because you deserve it.”

 Blessings on ya, Pastor Greg