Appreciation is the Theme

The theme of Appreciation is an appropriate theme for the month of April where we see nothing but gratitude poured out for the many people who are working to keep the economy afloat. There is more appreciation in our lives now for the things that we took for granted.  We can appreciate the simple walks outside, time spent as down-time at home, time to work on home projects we have been putting off.

Appreciation is now there for things we took for granted, like trips to the grocery store and the variety of foods that we have been able to choose from each night when we venture out. Even the things we use without thought, soap and toilet paper, are now things we appreciate and value.

From a simpler time, during World War II, my 94 year old mother says they grew Victory Gardens and had rations for butter and eggs. Everyone pulled together without complaint, as there was a common enemy and a purpose for all the sacrifices they made. And so in this time of pandemic, we cannot complain after seeing the weary faces of our medical personnel in hospitals and medical centers caring for patients to the end. We do show appreciation for all we have had in America, our Horn of Plenty where our cup has always seemed to runneth over.

And our strength? We have many strengths, and in the Bible there is a particular favorite that keeps coming to mind: Psalm 121: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help...My help cometh from the Lord-Maker of Heaven and Earth-...He will not let your feet slip”

We should take a quiet moment and reflect on the prospect of appreciation as a recurring theme in our minds whenever we encounter difficulties. There are those on the front lines we should appreciate more each day. The quiet strength we must gather in the down time that we have is something we may need in coming days. Appreciation is the hope and goal for us all to make the day brighter and paves our way for a better life and stronger will as we move forward together through this crisis.