The need to be appreciated.

All of us want to feel wanted and appreciated. That is why there are usually rewards or presents for those who do well in school, sports or in any other field. There are people who have made names in history. They have been appreciated for their deeds and contribution to the world at large.

Mary in the Bible made history during her time. She anointed Jesus feet with the most expensive perfume worth a year’s wages. Those who were with them around the table saw this as such a waste. They expressed a concern for the poor (Matthew 26: 8-9). 

If they had been attending Jesus’ funeral rather than His dinner, it would have been quite different. It could have been the last time she was using such expensive perfume on Him anyway.

Mary showed extravagant love to Jesus while He was still alive. She was willing to spend all her money on the perfume just to anoint His feet.

We can learn a very valuable lesson from Mary. Instead of telling someone how much they mean to us and we appreciate and love them while they are still alive, we wait until they are dead. We need to break out our best perfumes for the living. The problem is that we always wait for someone to die then tell them how much we loved them and appreciated their roles in our lives. It is of no good use. The person will not listen to you neither will they feel appreciated. 

Let us be careful to express all our feelings to people while they are still alive. Do not wait till they die.

Is there someone who comes to your mind? A family member, friend or colleague? Honor and encourage them by expressing your love and appreciation by doing something or telling them while they are still alive.

Give praises to others while they are here, they will not need it hereafter.