Appreciation

Lately I have not been feeling very appreciated by the people in my life. I call or text my friends and they don't call or text me back. I don't get invited to my uncles 50th birthday party because my 20+ relatives have all forgotten about me. My efforts to plan something special for a friends birthday are just shot down and trampled on. I have nothing to do at work and I feel like a total waste of $XX,000 a year.



But over and over this week, I have heard that I need to appreciate people more. If I'm not treating people the way that they deserve, if I'm not calling to check up on them, rather than to just talk about myself, if I'm too busy being caught up in my own neediness, how am I going to see other peoples needs?



Terri-I appreciate your compassion, friendship, honesty and sense of humor. I appreciate that you check up on me.

Michel-I appreciate that we have SO much more in common than either of us would have thought and that you are such a safe person to confide it. I appreciate that you make me feel needed and wanted.

Seth-I appreciate your hugs and your ability to make me laugh and smile and the comfort that you bring to my life. I appreciate your sarcasm and that you're struggling just as much as I am.

Justin-I appreciate that you can make me laugh and that you always have a way of distracting me when I need it the most.

Mom-I appreciate that you're always so happy to talk to me now.

Jen-I appreciate your invitations and funny stories and good attitude about everything.

Aidan and Mia-I appreciate your cuteness and love.

Shelley-I appreciate when you take an interest in my life.
Kaari-I appreciate that you constantly email me and keep me updated about a small group that I've never been too.
Grant-I appreciate that you admit your struggles and always encourage us to turn to Jesus.



There are so many other people that I appreciate. Right now I NEED these people in my life. But I'm not so busy or caught up in myself that I can't be there for other people.