Appreciation

Sincerely speaking, very few of us are born with appreciation. We tend to learn it through circumstances. Appreciation emerges once we witness or experience loss or lack. It is especially evident during our times of need. From a personal perspective, losing my sense of reality has lead me to find comfort in simple things. 


I find that prayer based in appreciation is an incredibly powerful tool whereby, I can lift my spirits. Yes, I have anxiety attacks, paranoia and disturbing thoughts but I am able to override them through appreciation. It is incredibly uplifting to pray out aloud. Often i would be in the midst of an overwhelming attack of anxiety and i would simply say, "Lord, I know that I am frightened but thank you that I have the ability to walk, talk and taste the fresh air. Thank you that I can see color, thank you that there is sunshine today and thank you that I can hear the sweet sounds of birds singing in the trees." 


In the same way that anxiety can manifest itself negatively, the power of my prayer has an equally powerful manifestation in the positive and it can be crafted in appreciation. 


In addition to this, I often find appreciation in my environment. This is particularly evident in flowers. I can vividly remember holding a rose and from the surface it was simply "A Rose" but as i looked closer I could find that this simple rose was a complex ecosystem, filled with the joys of life. Its distinctly dark green stem was coated with tiny aphids and the occasional droplet of dew. The brilliance of its brightly decorated petals was polished by a tiny lady bug sitting contently at it's center. It was feverishly fascinating that a simple rose could harness so much detail. In that moment; I had completely overridden all my fears with the appreciation of God's grace and beauty. 


If appreciation can be so powerful in times of need, surely its benefits must be astronomical during times of abundance. I find it beautiful, that in my time of extreme mental distress; I have never before felt such humility. I find myself completely in touch with what is important and what is not. I have lost all interest in material matters and i am completely engrossed by what it means to appreciate our existence. I find it incredible how I can look to my environment to pick up my mood. There is joy in recovery, even if that joy may be locked in a place that is cold and terrifying.    

Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (ESV)


"Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6, 7