Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Friday March 23, 2007

I came across an old quote I had used many years ago and as I mused on the train of thought it engendered I became fascinated with the ramifications of the statement again. Enamored might a better word, for this one line from a famous professor really does deal with a basic human need.

Most providers of human satisfaction only attempt and fail in this area due to the fact of either being ignorant of this need, not caring enough to implement the cure, or deliberately withholding this elixir of joy. (Not Ripple).

William James a wise man in spite of his profession stated:

"The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated."

Now, lest you get on your high horse and have a fit over the source of today's quote please give me space to share one with you from a more acceptable source. Solomon, Proverbs 3:27

"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in thine hand to do it."

I am sure when Mr. James used the word 'crave' he did so on purpose, as people really do crave notice of their efforts, their contributions to the better of the whole, in whatever form this effort takes.

General Bonaparte took notice of this human craving and used it to the advantage of his troops as he was always looking for a reason to pin some sort of medal on a worthy soldier's chest. The old Sunday School programs did much the same thing with attendance banners, yearly pins for faithful attendance and numerous other visible acknowledgements of appreciation.

In one church I pastored the practice had been to acknowledge the Mother Of The Year, as a token of appreciation each year. Good thought, but one that produced war each year and a mountain of hurt feelings! If by chance a certain woman was overshadowed by a more deserving mother, rent would be paid on a certain very warm, substandard place in the Southern climes. Just a warning to be careful how you chose public standards for the awarding of tokens of appreciation!!

Many marriages would be enriched and perhaps lengthened if a word or token of appreciation were sincerely given. Parent/children relationships would be enhanced in the same simple manner. Each October the church sends me an unspoken token of how much they appreciate me. I take note and pout a few minutes and then go on bearing my cross.

A friend asked the other day if he had shown me the pictures of his grandchildren. I said, "No, and I appreciate it." Again be careful how you spread appreciation around as appreciation is very powerful.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit.

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