Appreciation Part II

Jesus is with you always. He sees all that you do for your husband, your family, your friends, your boss, and your clients.

He opened the curtain of heaven for just a brief time, just long enough to dictate seven love letters to you, His bride. The beloved disciple, John, was in exile on the island of Patmos when Jesus revealed these words to you, his beloved bride, his church:

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name,

and have not grown weary.”

Revelations 2:2-3

Ladies, every dirty diaper, every middle-of-the-night feeding, every sink full of dirty dishes, every grubby bathroom, every accident left by the dog, every late-night-pick-up of teenagers, every long-haul trek to a basketball game, baseball game, or football game where you cheered for your benchwarmer's team until your throat was hoarse, Jesus knows about it.

“You hate the practices . . . which I also hate.”

Rev. 2:6

Mothers, every time you took your kid to task over a little white lie, every time you told your pre-teenager to watch their tone of voice with you, and every time you held your teens accountable for their behaviour, Jesus rejoiced over you! He loves that you hate what He hates!

“I know you afflictions and your poverty --”

Rev. 2:9

Every time you went without so your kids wouldn't have to, every time you trimmed the budget and stuck with it, and every time you pretended that you like bologna, Jesus has witnessed it. No small sacrifice escapes His notice.

“I know your deeds, your love and faith,

your service and perseverance,”

Rev 2:19

Any time you have ever volunteered at the nursery at church when the toddlers all had runny noses, or bought Girl Guide cookies even when your hips really didn't need to get any larger, or canvassed for the Heart and Stroke foundation in the pouring rain, Jesus knows. He knows it all.

“I know your deeds. ...

I know you have little strength,

yet you have kept my word and gave not denied my name.

I will make those who . . . are liars – I will make them come and fall down at your feet

and acknowledge that I have loved you.

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently . . .”

Rev 3:8-10

Jesus knows all that you have done. He knows how tired you are, and that you keep on doing what needs to be done anyways. He knows there are those who oppose you, even if you don't know it. He does, and He promises that they will find out in the end that He was on your side all along. Doesn't that make you smile?

Readers, can't you just hear his praises? He sees, He knows, and acknowledges your hard work. He promises to reward you for it. Jesus appreciates you. Isn't that enough? I mean, here we have the King of kings, stopping for a moment while holding all creation together, and telling you that your efforts are noticed. Not only noticed, but duly noted. You will be rewarded.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that Jesus sees it all. Every sacrifice large and small. Hide His words of appreciation in your heart. Memorize them so you can comfort yourself in your hour of need.