The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1901-12-13
ARE WE APPRE CIATIVE?

prone some people are to take every
thing that comes their way as mat
ter OF course, never stopping for a
moment to think that word Of en-
couragement or acknowledgement
was due or at all necessary, but
rather leaving the impression that it
was no more than we had right to
expect. We have noticed it in men,
women and children, there are ex-
ceptions of course, there are some
people who are never slow to recng-
nize an act Of kindness, and show
their appreciation Of the same, but
from our observation, we believe this
class are exceptions to the rule. II
you will be observant you will see it
everywhere, this lack of appre citation,
you will find it in the homes, in busi-
ness, in the church in fact every
where. Take the honest and con-
scientious laborer, have you not seer
him striving to the utmost of his
ability to do some work extra well
that he may please his employer
Have you not seen the employer.
alter the work was finished, and well
done, examine with critical eye, ~
il endeavoring to find place open to
criticism, and finding everything
perfectly satisfactory turn upon his
heel and walk off without one word
Of commentator or encouragement
II you have noticed a case Of this
kind you have also possibly noted
the expression Of disappointment
upon the face Of the faithful en-
ployeee in not receiving the kind
word Of ppreciation that he had
reason to hope for. If he is faithful
he will continue to strive to render
his very best service notwithstand.
ing the apparent lack of appreciation.
But he has to be true grit or he will
be discouraged, and his energy will
lag as consequence. 1t is 80 easy
to speak kind word, it costs moth
ing, but it sends ray of sunshinr
direct to the heart, and makes ali
impression that does not soon fade
away. We believe the happiest men
are those who are constantly making
others happy by embracing every op.
portunity Of speaking kind words OF
encouragement, when they see it is
deserved, and promptly recognizing
any act Of kindness or courtesy, no
matter how insignificant it might
appear to another. These men are
not only known in a community by
their cheerful disposition and the
that seems to beam from
their very countenance, actually
driving the blues from those with
whom they came in contact, bu,
they are loved by all who know them.
Is this not very near approach to
the fulfillment Of the divine admo-
nition, "Do unto others as ye would
have them do unto you" Is there
one among US, old or young, who
does not feel thrill of inspiration
to even greater e1ertion when we
know that our efforts are appreciated?
Are we not too unappreciative even
in our homes? Take the case Of the
loving wife, she studies the likes and
dislikes Of her leige lord. She knows
what delicacy is most pleasing to his
appetite, have you not noticed how
carefully she prepares this with her
own hands, have you never noticed
the happy smile that beamed on her
face when after enjoying this psrtic-
ular dish you remarked that it was
very fine, and just to your liking
Didn't it make you happy to know
you had caused that smile by your
appreciation Of her efforts to please
Had you ever thought of the great
trials and difficulties resting upon
this companion Of yours, the multi
tude Of things she has to look after
and attend to, day after day for 365
days in the year? Did you ever hap
pen to find, that in the great tusk
she had to face daily, that the salt
had been omitted in the biscuits?
Have you seen the panied expression
upon her face at the omission? She
was as much hurt over this SLIGHT
Thing as you would be over a much
greater calamity in your business
you ever quarrel about
t?-don't do 80 any more, but laugh