Appreciation. Do we really understand the meaning of what that means? I am not so sure people know anymore what it is to truly appreciate something or someone. By definition, to appreciate means to recognize the full worth of something or someone. From what I’ve seen, people don’t truly appreciate things anymore, and instead, they are looking for “something better”.

            I had a dream the other night that helped me realize the importance of appreciating what you have. In this dream, I left my husband for someone else because I thought I would be happier with someone else. As the dream goes on, my circumstances go from bad to worse, but I kept telling myself I was happy. However, when I came across my husband in the dream, I came to realize what I had done. Everything I had ever wanted, I had with my husband and I squandered it away for the possibility of “something better”.

            I am very fortunate that this was just a dream. However, for some, this has become a reality. We hear stories about how “it’s greener on the other side” and we want to see it for ourselves. But when we get there, we realize that it isn’t as great as we thought it would be. There is a reason you are where you are and there is a reason you have what you have. Learn to appreciate what God has given you.

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.” – Proverbs 15:16

            The way I see it, you never know when what you have will be gone. We do not know what tomorrow brings. We don’t even know what will happen later on in the day. All we have is right now. So, rather than complaining about what you don’t have, why not take time to appreciate what you do have? Learn to see the beauty in your life. Tell those around you how much you love them. Appreciate what God has given you.

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” – Psalm 100:4-5

            As for me, I want to take some time to appreciate those around me. Thank you, God, for always being there for me and for loving me even though I always come up short (literally and figuratively). You truly are a loving a merciful God. To my husband Chad, I cannot express how thankful I am that God gave me you. You have been a huge influence in my life and I can’t imagine going through this crazy life without you. To my mom, I love you Mami. I know that I wouldn’t be half the woman I came to be without you. You have been a huge inspiration and I hope to be half the mother you were to me. To my brother and sisters – Elijah, Jade, and Joanna – the three of you are the best siblings anyone could have ever asked for. You guys make my life an adventure. I love you guys so much.  

            To my many family members (on my side and my husband’s side), thank you all for being so loving and supportive towards me. You are all truly a huge blessing. To my closest friends – Leon, Neil, and Monte – you guys have been like brothers to me. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me and can only hope I have been as much of a blessing to you and you have been to me. To all of those who read my blog, I thank you so much for your support. Even though Hopeful Flower isn’t a huge project, I am grateful to have the opportunity to write for you guys. I pray that God continues to bless this blog and that I may continue to be here for you all. I hope you all have a blessed day. Love you all.

• Amaryllis

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2:6-7