Immanuel Lifestyle | Appreciation Practice

Have you ever thought about how we grow joy in our relationships (this idea of being glad to be together? Appreciation has something to do with it.

The beauty of appreciation is that it requires more than one person. The power of appreciation, then, is in that it empowers others. The very foundation and practice of Immanuel Lifestyle are relational!

Did you know that the definition of appreciation is not only recognizing the good of someone or something but also acknowledging the fullness of a situation? In other words, as awareness grows, appreciation grows, which then grows relationships, and also a capacity to experience greater and deeper joy. It's a cycle of good!

When we take the time to become intentionally aware of the ways God has shown up fully present in our lives, often through the people that show up fully present, it helps move us from a place of bitterness and restlessness to a posture of joy and openness.

The practice is simple, and helpful to do every day! Here's how:

• Think of 1 thing you appreciate or enjoy from the previous day.

• Think of 1 thing you appreciate about a person.

• Think of 1 thing about God for which you are grateful.

Whether you incorporate this in your daily routine while you're on your way to work or unwinding from a long day, adding it to the interactive gratitude portion of Immanuel Journaling, or practicing this with a friend over coffee, this is a powerful exercise to practice relationally!

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18