Unpack This...Living With ThanksgivingEsimerkki

“All Underrated Team” As sports fans, we recognize the greatness of elite athletes who wow us with highlight dunks, impressive scoring performances, unbelievable catches, and incredible home runs. We appreciate how talented the best players are and give them credit for their successful contributions to the sport. At the same time, some players don’t enter the league as top draft picks with a lot of attention, and fly under the radar because their skills aren’t easily apparent or they have less glamorous roles. Oftentimes, media members put together an annual “All-Underrated Team" to acknowledge the players they view as the most underappreciated. These players may go unnoticed by many fans and not receive the recognition they should. The same thing can happen in our own lives. How many times have the people who make our lives better gone unnoticed and receive little recognition because “their skills aren’t easily apparent” or "they have less glamorous roles" on the team? We may be thankful for the big things they do, but overlook the smaller blessings that consistently help us thrive and encourage us in our faith. As a result, they may feel underappreciated and a member of our “all-underrated team.” The challenge for us is to live with thankfulness toward God and appreciate those who contribute to our well-being. When we do, we find great joy and contentment. Paul gives us a powerful example of having a proper appreciation of others in Philippians 1:3-5: “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.” While being thankful for all of the key people in our lives each day, we should also show tremendous appreciation for the grace and forgiveness God has given us through Jesus and be mindful of all He’s doing in and around us. No matter what’s going on in life, let’s not “underappreciate” or “underrate” how God is with us and loves us. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me become more aware of Your goodness and love, and filled with appreciation for all You’ve done for me. Thank you for the people You’ve placed in my life and help me not to underappreciate them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.