One of the great constancies of our lives is the possibility for appreciation. But how often do we take time to express it? Ask any family who has lost a loved one, and they will tell you about so many missed opportunities.

With our loved ones, our sense of appreciation teaches us to treasure them constantly. With our health, it teaches us to take care of ourselves and not to neglect ourselves. With our children, it teaches us to cherish them at every age; and with our parents, it teaches us to honor them for who they are, and what they have done, and what they have made of us.

A daughter complained to her father about her life and how things were so hard for her. She wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high flame. Soon the pots came to a boil.