Appreciation Brings Peace to our Homes
We all need to feel valued by others in our lives. Our family members in particular need this. The problem we have, though, is that we tend to express our gratitude more for things rather than for people. Gratitude for each other builds healthy relationships not only with others, but also with God. Our gratitude is an expression of our faith.
Appreciation is the intellectual expression of gratitude ("Thank you"); affection includes an emotional expression as well. Both of these are essential ingredients to a pleasant, positive home. In addition, when we express affection, we boost the self esteem of others, and their self worth grows.
How can we cultivate appreciation and affection in our homes? Here are 5 ways:
1. Dig for diamonds - look for the good in others, not the "dirt"
2. Affirm our children verbally - let them know that they are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:13-14)
3. Expect our children to show appreciation and affection too
4. Laugh together!! (with each other, not at each other) (Ephesians 4:29)
5. Accept appreciation from others.
