"The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated." noted 19th- century psychologist William James. Perhaps we value words of appreciation so highly because so much of what we do seems to go unnoticed. Often our hard work and sincere effort is taken for granted.
One woman, who has taught for 25 years, recalls the delightful experience delivered to her by a fifth-grade boy. She had spent the day as a substitute teacher. When the school day was over she was sitting at the front of the classroom making notes for the regular teacher. Once of the students approached her and quietly waited. "I looked up, smiled and asked, 'Yes, Jeff?'" she recalls. To her amazement the boy said: "I'd like to thank you for being such a nice substitute teacher. I really appreciated your kindness."
The teacher says, "I was totally surprised-and pleased-to hear such words from a fifth-grade boy! I felt a warmth wash over me from my head to my toes as I scrambled for a response. His words left a glow in my heart that is with me even today, many months later."
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