Ooh that’s a good English word. It’s hard not to go throughout a day without appreciating something — even if it’s being appreciative of being alive or plainly grabbing that morning coffee.

 

The word can also be synonymous with gratitude, thankfulness and recognition, to name a few.

 

I like that word because I’ve just started focusing more and more of my attention to being appreciative of the small (and big) things in life.

With the recent passing of my older brother, I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking of how much I appreciated having him in my life. I especially appreciated his humor and it’s a quality I already miss. I also appreciated his sense of style in both his appearance and his approach to people. He had what many people would describe as being an “air about him.”

 

I’m also growing to be more and more appreciative of my home, my wife and our marriage. I’m growing more appreciative of our pets, my job and the luxury of us owning two vehicles. Of food on the table and clothes on our backs.

 

Appreciation got me thinking of being grateful for the childhood I had with loving parents, nine brothers and sisters and great neighbors and friends. I’m grateful and appreciative for the sacrifices my family endured to keep us kids well fed, clothed and educated. I’m also very much appreciative as well of the thousands of soldiers who have given their all for this country.

 

I’m also appreciative of my education, my faith and my good health and well being.

 

I remember the many days Terri and I would swing by the old family homestead in Minneapolis to chat and share some good news with my mom every couple weeks. They are such treasured memories and I’m just now re-absorbing the appreciation I have for that opportunity to spend quality time with my mother, who left this earth 18 years ago. 

 

When we’d visit, she’d always put her book down or turn off the TV to give us her full attention. I appreciated that tiny little gesture.

 

I remember the times I’d spend with my dad in the camper and at the booth at the Minnesota State Fair for years upon years. The days we’d walk to and from the campground and the times we’d stop for breakfast or a late, late night meal are things that I’ m so very thankful for. I so appreciate those days now in my memory and wish I had taken a moment or two to appreciate the precious moments we had as father and son. He died six years ago and his significance in my life can not be understated.

 

I appreciate my boss, Gary Meyer, whose knowledge of the newspaper industry and life experiences can’t help but spill over to his employees. He has a  knack of giving his employees the liberty to function in their job without being micro-managed. He also makes coming to work easy and comfortable with his banter and humor.

 

I also appreciate my co-workers, who work well as a team and have personal and professional goals of doing what’s best for the good of the company. My co-workers are valuable assets to this organization and bring a lot of fun and laughter to the workplace.

 

This past weekend, our pastor spoke on Philippians 2:14-16 where the Apostle Paul encourages his readers to “do everything without complaining and arguing.” Of all the people who had every right to complain, here was Paul telling others to “live clean, innocent lives” and to “shine like bright lights.”

 

I appreciated that sermon and it turned me towards focusing on being more appreciative of the things in life rather than complain and fret about the things we don’t or can’t have. 

 

The world is full of “crooked and perverse people” who gripe, squawk and whine. We can do better than that right? 

 

Wouldn’t it be great if we all took some time to reflect on things or people we are grateful for? To be a little more appreciative of the world we live in, the things we have and the people we know? 

 

I say we go out and recognize the good qualities in people and things — whose with me?