Faith | The word ‘appreciate’ - The Psalmist knew the deeper meaning
Once again, I find myself wandering in the delightful and magnificent Garden of Etymology, the study and appreciation of words. In fact, I just revealed the latest specimen to behold — appreciation — to appreciate something.
I thought I knew that to appreciate something simply meant to be grateful for it: “I appreciate the favor you did me.”
But one day while working at the hospital, I heard a doctor state that she was appreciating a lump felt under the skin of a person being examined. I assumed the doctor was not saying she was grateful for the lump, so off to my dictionary I went.
Quickly, I learned that the doctor was trying to understand the size, shape, and general nature of the lump.
To appreciate: to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of something. To value or admire it highly. To be fully aware of it. And finally, to recognize it with gratitude.
Do you see (and appreciate) the rich beauty of this word?
Its Latin roots are in finance, of all things — to understand the price (“pretium”) of something. But even that makes sense when you think about savings or investments that over time hopefully appreciate in value.
This valuable word really comes alive when the different definitions or applications interact with each other in symbiotic or mutually beneficial ways. As I appreciate (understand) the importance of education, I appreciate (am grateful for) its value to me and hopefully to society as I constructively apply what I have learned.
As I appreciate (learn more about) the many and different and wonderful contributions that persons make in life and in my life, my appreciation (admiration) for them grows and grows. And as the stock market appreciates (rises) and depreciates (falls), so too, do the hopes and fears of investors.
In the Hebrew scriptures, commonly known as the Old Testament, there is a remarkable collection of faith-poetry called, The Psalms. They cover a lot of territory expressing the experiences of people with faith in God as appreciated (known) by them.
One poem in particular is Psalm 8. In language both soaring and devotional, over and over the sacred poet expresses appreciation for God’s divine majesty and concern for human dignity.
In Psalm 8, the poet’s appreciation is expressed in all the ways noted above. The author seems to grasp the nature, worth, quality, and significance of God’s magnificent essence and God’s assignment of responsibility to humanity.
Both aspects of the Divine are deeply valued and highly admired as the depth and breadth of creation comes fully to the writer’s awareness.
The result?
Whole-hearted, robust praise, soaring heavenward and spanning the globe, extending down through the ages even to us today wherever and however we are living. Now THAT’S some kind of appreciation, would you agree?
In the faithful writings of holy scripture, we become more fully aware of, and value and are grateful for, the wisdom of God in linking divine majesty and human dignity. I really appreciate that!
Timothy J. Ledbetter, DMin, BCC is a retired American Baptist-endorsed professional chaplain and member of Shalom United Church of Christ in Richland. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.