Giving appreciation

 

Appreciation is a good habit for a healthy, happy, joyful and fulfilling life. Hans Selye (1907-1982), a Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist, said that appreciation is the secret of purifying and releasing stress. Through this stress theory, he became the first scientist to identify stress as the root cause of illness.

Appreciation is the root of laughter as well. When we appreciate even a little thing, we begin to smile. In our lives, there are so many things and so many moments that we can appreciate: our breath and the air, our legs that move anywhere we want to go, our arms that we can do so many activities with, our eyes that can see all the beauty of the world, a nose, the sky, trees, the wind, clouds, parents, siblings, teachers, editors, kindness and sharing.

Appreciating every moment, we can’t but be happy and cheerful. Naturally, we are willing to give thanks for all things and share joy with others. Appreciating all kinds of creatures around us, there is nothing that we can neglect and take for granted. However, we often forget to appreciate the various things in our surroundings.

One day, when I went to an American Catholic church to attend daily Mass, a beautiful old lady approached me with a cheerful smile and greeted me, saying “Thank you for your sacrifice!” She was wholeheartedly appreciating our religious presence in the world. Like this lady, many people appreciate our presence and recognize our willing and devoted offerings to God.

Some people think that religious sisters focus on our sacrifices because we give up so many comforts in choosing a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. But, as far as the religious sisters or brothers are concerned, our radical choices are made by the decision of spontaneous love and willing dedication to God.

Nowadays in Western countries, the number of religious sisters wearing the religious habit is decreasing more and more. Some of the religious orders (congregations) already decided not to wear the religious uniform anymore. So, it is not easy to recognize them walking on the street in their secular clothes. Furthermore, many religious buildings have become empty, and some historical buildings are used for other purposes.

We go to the Korean parishes on the weekends as paart of our mission trips. After the mission, especially on Sunday, we visit various American Catholic churches to attend daily Mass. Praising God together, we appreciate the sincere presence of local parishioners who attend Mass every day.

Despite the decreasing number of parishioners, many Catholic churches are still crowded with people thanks to their sincere faith. Those who attend Mass are willing to kneel on the kneelers in the Church, and receive the Sacrament of Confession. It is clear that the devoted attendees do appreciate every sign of living faith in their daily lives. They appreciate every moment of their lives and give thanks to God.

Amid ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, what the world needs most is a true appreciation and respect for life. Why don’t we appreciate individual uniqueness and differences as they are?

“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul. Please feel free to visit her blog "A piece of sunshine" at mtorchid88.blogspot.com.