Appreciation

When we consider the word ‘appreciation’ our minds are drawn to words like admiration, approval, enjoyment of, gratitude and thankfulness. We see appreciation around the school every day; students using lovely manners, encouragement being given and positive feedback being given and received. There is a great deal to appreciate about our school and our community. We appreciate the gifts and blessings given to and surrounding us by recognising and valuing the gifts and talents of ourselves and others. We celebrate the positive aspects of our school environment, provide and care for each other and value and care for school property and other physical assets. Just like a snowball gathers size and strength as it rolls down a hill, so does appreciation build, strengthen and reinforce a positive environment.

Another aspect of appreciation is of God and what He has done for us. The intensity of our response increases ten-fold. Words like total respect, wonder and awe now enter our vocabulary. If there are so many things to appreciate about our school, all these things can be attributed to God. Just as appreciation builds a positive environment at school, appreciation of God builds, strengthens and reinforces a positive relationship with God.

‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!’

Philippians 4:4

Christian appreciation is recognising and valuing highly the gifts and blessings given to and surrounding us. It is an attitude of gratitude for learning, loving and being. It is a positive attitude that responds in wonder and awe to, and with respect for, the created world – its fragility and its potential. All of this would not be possible without God.