The Practice of Appreciating

Closely related to the practice of Noticing is the practice of appreciating. Often, but not always, noticing leads to appreciating.

If I notice something like “weeds”, I may not appreciate them. More significantly, I may notice something about myself and I may or may not appreciate that insight.

Noticing can lead to appreciating. It may take some time though. I think it is important to let go of any expectation of appreciation. It’s not a task to accomplish each day. It’s a gift. A gift that is periodically given.

Plenty of people who feed birds, don’t really like squirrels. People spend money and time trying to keep squirrels from getting into the bird seed. I used to get frustrated by squirrels too. Now I have some bird feeders that are fairly squirrel proof. Even so, every winter, there’s always a squirrel to two who figure out how to get to the birdseed. I guess I have watched enough squirrels that I don’t mind if they get some birdseed (as long as they leave some for the birds). I’ve even been amazed when they are hanging by their hind feet, swinging in the air and grab the bird feeder. I now think squirrels are interesting and I like seeing them. Because I have noticed them, I now, mostly, appreciate them.

The same thing happens with House Sparrows. People don’t like them. They want “better” birds to be in their yard. But Sparrows are all right. Around here, they are one of the few birds that stay all year. If you look closely you will see brown and tan the pretty brown and tan pattern.

Spending time with sparrows and squirrels has changed my attitude toward them. I’ve come to appreciate them. It took some time though.

Which reminds me to give other things, and more importantly other people, time. The squirrels and sparrows have taught me it’s best to sit and notice for a while. To sit with what I notice. To let noticing become wondering. To be curious about what I notice so that I can receive the gift of appreciation.

If I begin my day by appreciating something, often that sets the tone for the rest of my day. I am more inclined to appreciate people and events. But not always. For me appreciation is a fragile gift. I can lose it in an instant and it doesn’t take much. Sour milk or spilled coffee can do it. Sometimes I can recover my sense of appreciation, sometimes not. Sometimes I don’t even notice that the gift of appreciation is gone. Sometimes I don’t even try.

I intentionally do not make noticing or appreciating an expectation or a requirement. I also try to keep my noticing small. Occasionally I can appreciate the entire world. Most days, I’m doing good to appreciate a chipmunk.

When the appreciation of a chipmunk seems small and not worth bothering about, I remember Jesus’ words about the value of sparrows, and lilies. If Jesus appreciated sparrows and flowers, then I would do well to do the same.