Don’t hail me when I am gone
I am the Holy Grail you can’t see
You will know when am gone
It would have been too late then
Why do we always have to wait till it’s over before we recognize how blessed we were to have certain people in our lives, as God’s precious gift? One of the problems with our culture is that we are so quick to judge and condemn people; which sadly blind us from seeing the good in others. I have read a lot about people who made an indelible mark in their own generation, but were never appreciated, honored or respected by their own people, and died in isolation; later to be hailed as great saints or achievers.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (John 1:11 NIV)
He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. (John 1:11 NLT)
Our Savior is a prime example and epitome of rejection by His own. Those who have learned through the spirit of grace and mercy, to accept people willingly always welcomes angels of hope into their lives, dispelling their darkness. Those who recognized the deity of Christ, and not as Mary’s son or a weakling from Nazarene, were those who benefitted from His glory. There is a special grace of God upon all the faces in the crowd…we should approach life with the crystal liquid presence of love flooding through our souls, without prejudice. Prejudice and stereotype mindset has taking away the spirit of honor and appreciation, even in the body of Christ.
Life every man holds dear; but the dear man holds honor far more precious dear than life. – William Shakespeare
Grace says ; “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Phillipian 2:4 NLT) and we should again; “Let love of the brethren continue” (Hebrews 13:1 NABS). Brotherly love is enshrined in a spirit of appreciation, counsel, encouragement, edification, empowerment, affection, respect, honor and support. At what time does brotherly love stops? Scripture says; let it continue through it all. Isn’t it beautiful because of our heart of love, we can even appreciate or show respect to people of different faith and still disagree on some things?
What do you see when you look at your parents, spouse, friends, coworkers, family, spiritual leaders, community leaders, and all those who impact our lives one way or the other, even from a distance? Do you celebrate their life and their works in your heart, as an appreciation to 
the awesomeness of God or you disdain them because you don’t you find it difficult to understand how they function or to believe in what they stand for, in life? I don’t think it’s always possible to show appreciation to people you can’t reach up to. Against this background, we should nurture a heart of honor and appreciation for people even in our conversation with friends. It will literally affect how one behaves towards those who are closely connected to us. Especially parents, friends, spouse, family, employers, children and what have you.
The life of classic painter, Doménikos Theotokópoulos, reveals how many in the body of Christ will either dies unaccomplished due to rejection and ingratitude spirits or struggle through life and later be remembered for what you committed your life doing on earth.
Doménikos Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco due to his Greek background, was a painter, architect, and sculptor during the Spanish Renaissance who was born in 1541. He also studied the Classics and created his own library of 130 books. He moved to Rome in 1570 and opened a workshop in hopes of allowing his artistic career to flourish and lived within the artistic community. He eventually moved to Venice and began religious subjects, often focusing on elongated features and figures. He did this in hopes of leaving his own mark in history, using a new and original style for himself. El Greco continued to travel and create, but soon lost his place in society after lacking the king’s favor. In 1614 he died after falling ill.
The death effect
During his time, El Greco’s work was ignored, pushed to the side, and often criticized, simply because it was different. His expressionistic and dramatic style was not what people were used to, and his paintings were not appreciated much at all. In fact, many during his time called his work “ridiculous” and “worthy of scorn.” Even after his death, he was also scorned, as many saw his work as being too confusing and incomprehensible. However, when the 20th century came, his work was, and still is, highly appreciated. He is seen as a painter who was ahead of his time, using modern techniques as well as those from the contemporary realm. In essence, many don’t believe he fits into just one school of art; instead he seemed to create his own. (Source; http://www.toptenz.net/)
It is unwise to fight for or demand appreciation from people, as a Christian. Keep pressing on…at the end of the day, it is the Master’s appreciation that is forever priceless. With that said, if you have not been complimented or shown the love or the appreciation of your life or work, (you even feel rejected) and it seems to bother you or its weighing you down. Take a time off, in the presence of the Lord and let the Holy Spirit escort you to the heart of the Father, to receive fresh boost of love and acceptance from the God who cares. Yes! Your God cares!!
– McDaniels A. Gyamfi
JesusNōw 