May 22nd, 2008
When was the last time someone caught you doing something good?
Appreciation.
Before you continue reading, whoever it is, I want to thank God for you. I want to thank God for whatever good things you have done, for whatever contribution you have given to your family, church or friends. I want to thank you that you are spending time reading this. I know God loves you and He will guide you.
The one thing that I remember about "I not stupid too" movie when I watched it 2 years ago was a statement that was shown at the beginning of the movie.
"When was the last time someone praised you?"
This statement struck a chord in me. I thought hard when I was watching the movie 2 years ago : Really, when was the last time someone actually praised me?"
2 years ago, I really could not think of anyone praising me.
Now, I have the same feeling again. I was just asking myself a few days ago.
"When was the last time someone caught me (or you) doing something right?"
For the record, I am not a person who DESIRES praises or appreciation. I understand totally the principle of "everyone matters, and no matter what you are doing, you are contributing significantly, even if you are not seen." Praise and appreciation do not affect whether I do things or not.
I always remember being taught to always "catch people doing the right things.". I am also taught to always create an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving, with which I always do with my friends and members in church.
But of recent times, I cannot help but think of when I was last praised for something I did which was good.
When was the last time someone "caught me (OR YOU) doing the good things"?
Sometimes, all we can do is to correct, correct, correct, and correct. All we can do is to catch people doing the wrong things.
Now, where is the human touch?
2 possibilites: Either I have not been doing ANYTHING right for the past 1 year plus, or the good things I have done have been overlooked.
The only appreciation I can remember are the ones said to me by certain young members from my group. These members are really sweet, and their thankful attitudes encourage me to do a better job.
Well, I wish there were more of such people around, appreciating each other, and creating an atmosphere of praise, thanksgiving and appreciation, not just for me, but for everyone else.
I am pretty sure most of us would never go seeking for praise and appreciation. But without praise and appreciation at all, are we being thankful?
(1 Thessalonians 4:18 NIV) Therefore encourage each other with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
(Philemon 1:7 NIV) Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
(Hebrews 3:13 NIV) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.