It is generally acknowledged that women need to feel appreciated for the things they do. A woman that feels appreciated is motivated to do even more for her family, her co-workers, her boss, or her clients. For most women, and especially single mothers, a word of appreciation is a rare and treasured thing.
Functioning without appreciation is like running a vehicle on an empty gas tank. We can begin to grow weary and let hopelessness sneak in. We start to feel sorry for ourselves, and begin to feel alone (even though we know we are not), because we feel we have to do everything ourselves.
It is at times like these we begin to long for someone to notice the things we do, and to acknowledge our efforts. Our hearts cry out, “Doesn’t anyone see how hard this is for me?” “Doesn’t anyone see how much I do, all on my own?”
Unmarried women think how wonderful it would be to have an appreciative man around to applaud us for the efforts we make. Meanwhile married women think that single women at least don't feel taken for granted!
If we, married or not, expect someone to meet our need to be appreciated, we are in for some trouble. There will be two problems with that. First, people, in all their humanness, don’t see all the many details you take care of tirelessly day after day. Second, even if you did have someone around that actually notices your hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, chances are that person would be unable to articulate enough thanks.
Have you ever heard someone say, "I just can't thank you enough!"? It is true. Our need for appreciation is never truly satiated.
This is especially true if we are expecting multitudes of gratitude from our husbands. I’m not putting men down in any way, it is simply a fact that men are not as verbal as women. So when a man says, “Thanks” he thinks it is the sacrifice of praise!
Meanwhile we're thinking, “That’s it? ‘Thanks’?! I spent hours doing that for you!!” And we feel robbed of the honor we feel we think we deserve.
Hear me when I tell you: there is no person on earth who will ever be able to fully meet your need for appreciation.
However, there is good news. Jesus came so that you would have life, and have it to the full. He never intended to leave you in an impossible situation. He always provides a way out. He is the Way.
Are you ready for it? Read on, and follow me into a journey of truth.
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