Author: Mary

Well, here we are again, talking about something nobody wants to talk about. Life has its ups and downs, but if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve been feeling like a dusty family heirloom stuck in the attic. And don’t you worry, I’ve got a house full of those—so I know the feeling well. Now, let’s get something straight right off the bat: the reason you feel unappreciated might surprise you, so you might as well stay until the end. Or don’t—you’re all adults here, aren’t you?

Let me start with a story. You know, back in my day—yes, I said it—we did things a little differently. We had a sense of duty and respect that would make a modern-day millennial spin in their office chair. Every Sunday, without fail, we’d be at church with starched collars and clean smiles. Afterward, the family would gather around the dinner table, and we’d all share what happened during the week. No distractions, no fidgeting with phones, just good old-fashioned conversation. One might think this kind of tradition fosters appreciation, but the truth is, it takes more than just sitting together for a meal to feel valued.

You see, appreciation is more than just a pat on the back or a thank-you note. It’s a fundamental human need. God designed us to value each other, but somewhere along the line, some of us end up feeling about as appreciated as a pincushion in a porcupine convention. Speaking of porcupines, isn’t it funny how some people can be as prickly as one? Sometimes, even our own families can be the ones poking us with their quills.

Now, don’t get me wrong. My family knows how to appreciate me. They better—after all the Thanksgiving turkeys I’ve roasted to perfection over the years. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, folks forget to show their appreciation properly. And let me tell you, that’s when the trouble begins.

Now, you might ask, “Mary, why does it feel like they’re taking me for granted?” Glad you asked! I’ll delve into the nitty-gritty. Are you familiar with the phrase, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder?” Well, it also makes you realize what you had all along. Sometimes, people need a gentle nudge to remember your value.

Imagine you’re a pot of coffee brewing in the kitchen. Your family loves their morning cup, eagerly pouring it, perhaps with a touch of cream and sugar. But then, they start to forget the effort you put into making it just right. One day, a power outage means no morning coffee. Suddenly, they’re scrambling like hens in a fox chase, and they realize they’ve been taking that perfect cup for granted. Sounds familiar, right?

Life is just like that. When routines become too commonplace, people forget to appreciate what makes their daily grind so smooth. And it’s not just about the coffee. It’s about the bed that’s made, the laundry that’s folded, and the prayers said before bedtime. But how do we make them see that?

Here’s a fun little trick I learned over the years: surprise them. Mark my words, nothing disrupts complacency like a little change. Stop doing that one thing they always overlook. Skip a laundry day or two—trust me, it’ll hardly cause the end times you worry about. You’ll be amazed how quickly they notice and suddenly remember all those times you did it without a peep.

Also, don’t forget to show some appreciation yourself. It’s a two-way street, honey. When you start expressing gratitude, others often follow suit. Even if you’re thinking, “But I always do,” add a little extra sparkle. Like my mother used to say, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” Believe me, kind words can be that sugar, and they work miracles.

Sometimes, the real problem lies within our own hearts. We become house fixtures not because we’re unloved, but because we forget to remind others of our worth—with dignity, not nagging. There’s a world of difference between the two. You’re not a broken record; you’re a person with feelings, and it’s okay to let your family know when you need a hug, a thank you, or a few extra moments of their time.

Alright, it’s time to wrap this up. If you haven’t wandered off to find a cat video by now, good on you! Remember, feeling appreciated starts within. Express gratitude generously and make your worth known respectfully. It’s okay to step back and let others pick up the slack once in a while. You’ll find it does them as much good as it does you. And hey, don’t forget that God sees all the good you do, even when others don’t. Sometimes, that’s all you need to keep going.

So, next time you feel like the family doormat, take a deep breath, mix things up, and remind them gently of your value. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the scales tip. Hope this helps—you’ve got this!