Texting Appreciation

Almost a year ago I got an idea from my friend, Annie, to try texting appreciation to one of my granddaughters. Kayli was struggling with anxiety. She was open to me texting her every night at 10 PM. So I set my phone’s alarm and began texting appreciation to her each night. 1) Something I appreciate about my day. 2) Something I appreciate about Kayli. 3) Something I appreciate about Jesus.  Kayli agreed to respond the same.

Only As Long As Kayli Wants

Kayli’s particapation is up to her. Several times I have asked Kayli if she wants to stop, and so far we have texted appreciation back and forth nearly every night since last April.

One night when I was sharing with some new friends that I was texting appreciation to one of my granddaughters, one of the ladies said, “I wish someone would do that with me.”  So since that time she and I have texted almost every night as well. One reason I am sharing about these texts is because this simple activity has let me get to know this friend. I actually feel close to her.

I like how texting appreciation has benefited all of us. So a couple of months ago, I asked another friend who was struggling if she would like to do text appreciation each day. She agreed. We basically share two or three appreciations of our day and one about Jesus. She has added one thing she appreciates about her husband. Recently she told me she is passing hers on to another friend.

All of these friends have told me that it helps them. It helps me. And it takes less than a minute. If you have someone who might benefit from texting appreciation, give it a try. You can set a limit on how many weeks or months. And after you set your alarm for a few weeks, it will become a habit.

Texting Appreciation Examples

Here are two examples of how I do this: “I appreciate a warm house. I appreciate your hugs and smiles, and I appreciate Jesus is always glad to be with us.”

Or: “I appreciate seeing my new great grand baby. I appreciate a good meal. I appreciate Jesus cares about every detail.”

Ask Jesus to show you someone who might benefit from a quick text and see if they want to give it a try for a month.