Three Ways You Can
Show Appreciation for Someone
We are entering into the holiday season with Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and the New Year all coming up. Do not let this time of year go by
without meaningful conversations, acts of generosity, and special times with
families and friends. Before we know it, we will be past this season again.
This holiday season, consider showing appreciation to someone. Maybe your
spouse has been working extra hard for the family, or a coworker has gone out
of their way to lend a hand to you, or a friend has been there with you through
a hard time. There are all kinds of reasons to be thankful and people we should
thank. Lots of times we say, “Thank you” in passing or let them know we
appreciate them in the heat of the moment, but going out of your way some time
after or at a random time to show your appreciation can really mean something.
Consider these three ways to show appreciation, or let them be ideas that get
your mind thinking on the subject:
(1) Send a handwritten card to someone. In a
world of technology and screens, there is something unique about getting a card
in the mail and seeing someone’s handwriting. It is so rare that I almost feel
today what I felt as a kid when I actually got something in the mail. In the
midst of a sea of bills, getting a card is heartwarming and downright exciting.
Also, don’t be one of those who buys a preprinted card and simply signs your
name. Take a few minutes to write something deliberate and meaningful.
(2) Invite them over to your house for a meal.
We ought to be living out life together as families and church families. Spend
some time with people! Slow down one evening and cook a meal for a friend. Be a
neighbor to someone. Do you remember what it’s like to host someone? What a
wonderful thing it is to share a meal with people you care about and you
appreciate. If inviting folks over and hosting is too difficult, considering
taking that friend out for lunch. Take them to the Mexican restaurant, spend $5
on them, and enjoy a good conversation.
(3) Give them company out somewhere. Hey,
there are plenty of people who would love for you to join them for their hobby.
Maybe you could go to a walking park with a friend, or you could go shopping with
someone who usually has to do it by their self. All you would have to do is
say, “I know you like to do ‘whatever,’ could I join you next time?” How
enjoyable would that be? And it is such a thoughtful gesture!
Don’t let too much time pass before you show appreciation
to someone. This time of year is a great time to do it, and there is no better
day than “Today.” Of course, these three suggestions work for not only showing
appreciation but also just to brighten someone’s day or week. Consider doing
one of these for someone you know as an act of kindness!