Most of us tend to not appreciate what we have until it's gone, at least not to the full extent of appreciation we should show. I think we've all dealt with this in one form or another.

I realized too late after my parents had passed away that I should have done more to show appreciation for them. Even though they lived far from me, I could have done more to stay in closer contact and showed them how much they meant to me.

Now our pet dog is failing quickly, and may not make it to Thanksgiving. I have never been much of a dog person. But in spite of not showing Muffy as much affection as others in the family, for some reason she chose me as her person to love and protect. Now sadness is creeping in that I didn't appreciate her more and show her more love.

This year of hardship has brought many to this realization, especially those who lost loved ones to Covid and couldn't even be in the hospital with them in their last days to express their love and appreciation. This year has produced too many broken hearts and regrets.

Most of us have learned during 2020 that our relationships with our family and friends are more important than all the working and busyness that used to consume our lives. After the first round of having to stay away from our loved ones and miss holidays, birthdays and other family times together, hopefully we learned to appreciate the times we do have together more.

As many again are missing another holiday with loved ones, we must make more of an effort to show appreciation for one another. People are always more important than things. We need to stop taking our important relationships for granted, and learn to encourage, support and strengthen one another. I Corinthians 16:18 says, “They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well” (NLT).

We need to learn to be thankful for what we do have. We all tend to take our health for granted until we start having physical problems. If we would learn to appreciate and take better care of our bodies sooner, we might enjoy good health for longer.

Many have realized they should have appreciated their jobs more before everything shut down. Now many have no jobs or businesses to return to. Students who complained about their teachers and about going to school have learned that maybe it wasn't so bad after all. They have learned to appreciate their friends more, too.

We also need to learn to appreciate God more and all He has done for us. Many take Him for granted, and do not appreciate the great sacrifice He made for our salvation. Many try to go through their lives ignoring Him, believing He does not exist, or even hating Him. Yet every breath we take is a gift He alone has given to us.

We take for granted His mercy and grace, and His faithfulness to protect and provide for us. We do not appreciate the great love He lavishes upon us, and the peace, hope and joy He pours out upon us. We must learn to “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1) NIV.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.