To appreciate is to be fully aware of, to realize fully, or to recognize with gratitude and to be grateful for. When we appreciate, we hold dear, that in which we perceive to have value or to gain in value is based upon our perception. To really appreciate someone or something we must go through a process of recognition. Recognition is the process of recognizing something or someone by remembering, and/or coming to understand something clearly and distinctly.
Our ability to appreciate has power, the bible says to give thanks in everything, to give thanks in all circumstances, and to dwell on good and praiseworthy things. This begins with our focus, in what we are being attentive to, to the manner in which we perceive things. Your ability to appreciate can have a lot to do with your ability to view and reflect. All too often we lack proper recognition for things, and others, because we have become familiar and lose sight of the value within those people or things. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
If we are not able to appreciate what we have, or the love that comes from others in our lives, then we are most likely taking things for granted. People who do not appreciate are far more likely to be spending too much time at the complaint counter in their lives, and thus they loose site of all the blessings that do surround them. Yes it is a fact that blessings are surrounding us, just look around where you are right now. Are you alive? Do you have food? Is there a roof over your head? Are you reading this on a computer? Do you know that there are thousands of people who live on less than a dollar a day? That is 31 dollars a month, and 365 dollars a year, a computer cost more than that. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Sometimes we have to have things taken away for us to learn how to appreciate again. We can become spoiled if we are not able to gain recognition and be thankful. The key to your perception lies within your own attitude and your willingness to be grateful for what you do have. If you seem to be on the losing end of things, you might need to do a self awareness check, are you taking anyone or anything for granted? Be honest here, for if you perceive yourself as having nothing, then you will have nothing, but if you perceive yourself to have, which means you are able to appreciate, then you will have more. How can I say that, because it is true; "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. (Matthew 25:29).
Did a light bulb just come on? If you have, it is because you see and appreciate what you have. If you see and appreciate what you have, you will be given more. Conversely, if you do not appreciate what you have, then even that which you do have, will be taken from you so that you can learn to appreciate what you have! The key to your contentment is within yourself, it is within your own ability to appreciate. Hopefully, you are now increasing your capacity to recognize the depths of your blessings. Remember that old song; Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
If you are so wrapped up in looking at the negatives, how are you going to see the positives? Change the way you are thinking and you will drastically change your outcomes! Your relationships are gifts, count them, and appreciate them. The things you have are on loan, they are not yours, they are Gods, you have only been allowed to have use of them while you are here on this earth. Take time out to appreciate what God supplies to you, and then take the time to express your gratitude to Him. You want more? First learn to appreciate what you have. Increase awaits those who appreciate!
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8).