Sincere Appreciation

With today's post I would like to sincerely extend a word of appreciation to those who are making disciples of others.

Human tendency is to hold expectations that are often exceeded or undermined by others. When expectations are met, we usually respond with politeness. When expectations are unmet we tend to react with public or hidden murmuring. When expectations are exceeded we feel the genuine nature of the expression.

Years ago our staff made a conscious decision to downplay the recognition of "Clergy Appreciation Month" in October. For many people it had become obligatory and carried about as much emotion as the 172 people who write "Happy Birthday" on your facebook wall simply because there is a box on the right side of the screen that says "wish....a happy birthday on...." We found that those who truly appreciate their clergy were finding ways throughout the year to say an encouraging word, or send a kind email detailing a specific blessing, or bringing a personal trinket when they saw something that reminded them of one of us. I don't doubt that people were genuine with the words that they said in October. But the unexpected deeds seemed to better communicate the heart of gratitude.

Monday was full of parades and programs with lack-luster attendance designed to express appreciation for American military personnel. My experience has been that a soldier would prefer receive 5 personal handshakes and a thank you given eye to eye, rather than 500 people sitting in a crowd waving an anonymous flag.

My purpose today is to give a personal shout out to each one of you who invests time, energy, emotion and resources in discipling others. I want you to know that you are valued; that what you do makes a difference for eternity; and that I trust God will reward you according to the selfless way you have put others above yourself!