Soaking in Appreciation

In the Joy Group I’m part of, we talked this past week about the importance of practicing appreciation. Being grateful about something is part of it--but there’s something powerful about simply living in the moment and soaking in the feeling of appreciation for five minutes or more each day. Before this week’s October snow here in Minnesota (which came a little too early—but that’s not being appreciative!), my wife Judy and I were drinking in the beauty of our backyard maple tree right out from our deck and kitchen window. Learning how to let ourselves bask in appreciation for at least five minutes quiets our minds and allows our bodies to relax.

What is it that makes you smile? Watching your child play? Taking an autumn walk through the woods? Listening to a favorite song that connects you with God? Savoring a cup of specialty coffee? Re-reading old birthday cards, or writing a note of appreciation to someone you love or respect?

What can you take time to enjoy today?