Editorial May 19, 1923 Issue

Appreciation

Ella W. Hoag

The world is sadly in need of appreciation. It is a heavenly quality, which beautifies and blesses the one expressing it, as well as those upon whom it rests. It is largely the measure of one's own ability to discern the good that is real; for without appreciation there can be no actual recognition of that which is lovely and true. One may imagine he understands much that is wise and valuable, but unless he knows enough to truly appreciate it wherever he finds it, he has touched but its outer shell. To really esteem any good is to open one's heart to its joyous receptivity; this is, indeed, the first step towards consciously reflecting it; for what one whole-heartedly appreciates he naturally wishes to express. Even from an ordinary human standpoint one would desire to be appreciative of the good and the true, of that which is lovely and beautiful, of all that is worth prizing. And a just estimation of such desirable characteristics means a larger ability to exemplify the same high qualities.

In true appreciation there is ever that tender, loving property which lifts up with encouragement those who are cast down; it points to greater possibilities of every worthy achievement, and strengthens all right inclinations. Who has not felt the fresh inspiration, the renewed hope, the greater desire for true progress, which springs spontaneously upward when some effort in a right direction, even though it may have been but tiny, has been justly estimated and the word of appreciation has been spoken? Like oil poured upon rusty hinges, it causes the doors opening to further endeavor to swing wide and show the free pathway to more glorious possibilities. To be niggardly in the expression of this divine quality is either to be lost in the selfishness which is thinking only of itself and its own affairs, or in the fear that to show a proper valuation of another's accomplishment may minimize one's own claim to approval.

Christian Science portrays the value of right appreciation in a wonderful way. With its clear teaching that one only finds his own as he seeks it in another's good, Christian Science emphasizes the desirability of being awake to every opportunity to recognize, acknowledge, and lovingly encourage every least bit of good that appears. It teaches that one only honors the infinite creator of all good as he lovingly cherishes all that is true and right, all that is lovely and beautiful. Doing this, all are helped to see that in commending every right effort in another, in being tenderly grateful for each true tendency that is expressed anywhere, the work of the world will run on with the smoothness which honest appreciation ever engenders.

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