I watched a video where men parked beside a woman so she could appreciate them and thank them for all they do for their families. This woman was not their wife; she was paid for her service. When she spoke words of appreciation to them, and they paid her, the men felt a sudden burst of joy and fulfillment. They were genuinely happy that someone acknowledged their efforts and sacrifices for their families. Sadly, their wives had not been appreciating them, so they had to pay someone outside to do so.

This brings me to the subject of appreciation. How do we appreciate the things that are done for us?

I know this was just content—a skit—but let us look at it more deeply. If human beings crave appreciation so much, how much more our Heavenly Father? How much more God? From January to December of 2025, and now, we are in the third day of January 2026, God has done so much for us, and He desires that we appreciate Him and live with grateful hearts.

The book of Philippians 4:6 says:“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

The book of Psalms also tells us to come into His gates with thanksgiving. God wants us to thank Him for all He has done. We must not be ungrateful or be like the nine lepers who did not return to thank Jesus after they were healed.

We should be grateful. We should be thankful for everything that has been done for us—whether by God or by man—no matter how small it may seem.

So, my friends, choose gratitude today. Think of one thing God has done for you, or something someone has done for you. Send that message. Make that call. Say, “Thank you very much for this and this.” Express your appreciation, and see how it blesses both you and the other person.

From a concerned friend.

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