Appreciation

The world is sadly in need of appreciation. It is a heavenly quality, which beautifies and blesses the one expressing it, as well as those upon whom it rests. It is largely the measure of one’s own ability to discern the good that is real; for without appreciation there can be no actual recognition of that which is lovely and true. One may imagine he understands much that is wise and valuable, but unless he knows enough to truly appreciate it wherever he finds it, he has touched but its outer shell. To really esteem any good is to open one’s heart to its joyous receptivity; this is, indeed, the first step towards consciously reflecting it; for what one whole-heartedly appreciates he naturally wishes to express. Even from an ordinary human standpoint one would desire to be appreciative of the good and the true, of that which is lovely and beautiful, of all that is worth prizing. And a just estimation of such desirable characteristics means a larger ability to exemplify the same high qualities.

In true appreciation there is ever that tender, loving property which lifts up with encouragement those who are cast down; it points to greater possibilities of every worthy achievement, and strengthens all right inclinations. Who has not felt the fresh inspiration, the renewed hope, the greater desire for true progress, which springs spontaneously upward when some effort in a right direction, even though it may have been but tiny, has been justly estimated and the word of appreciation has been spoken? Like oil poured upon rusty hinges, it causes the doors opening to further endeavor to swing wide and show the free pathway to more glorious possibilities. To be stingy in the expression of this divine quality is either to be lost in the selfishness which is thinking only of itself and its own affairs, or in the fear that to show a proper valuation of another’s accomplishment may minimize one’s own claim to approval.

Christian Science portrays the value of right appreciation in a wonderful way. With its clear teaching that one only finds his own as he seeks it in another’s good, Christian Science emphasizes the desirability of being awake to every opportunity to recognize, acknowledge, and lovingly encourage every least bit of good that appears. It teaches that one only honors the infinite creator of all good as he lovingly cherishes all that is true and right, all that is lovely and beautiful. Doing this, all are helped to see that in commending every right effort in another, in being tenderly grateful for each true tendency that is expressed anywhere, the work of the world will run on with the smoothness which honest appreciation ever engenders.

There is no better way to lose sight of one’s own apparent difficulties than to begin to thank God and our neighbor for the good qualities that neighbor is reflecting. This will never degenerate into fulsome praise; for that which starts with gratitude to God can never do less than bless all whom it reaches. Think of how heaven would be realized were each one to-day even to commence to look for and find in others the good God is causing to be reflected! Think of how the weary, desolate waste of unappreciated effort would begin to bud and blossom! In “Miscellaneous Writings” (p. 224) our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, counsels all Christian Scientists to entertain “a keen relish for and appreciation of everything beautiful, great, and good;” while Paul says, “We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you … and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.”

Could there be a grander, more exquisitely beautiful possibility than that which is offered to the child of divine Love in his God-given ability to appreciate all that is good? And how comforting to know that through the understanding and demonstration of Christian Science, it may be put into practice each hour, here and now, with greater and greater perfectness! How certainly the rough places may be made smooth and the crooked paths straight! How the wrinkles may be effaced and the creases all ironed out as Christian Scientists reflect the just appreciation of each other’s earnest, honest efforts to know and prove the all-presence and all-power of divine Love! How their lives will be enriched as they grow to a larger, fuller, freer appreciation of the good expressed! Then, with ever increasing earnestness, let all thank God for and make use of this wonderful gift!