As sports fans, we easily recognize greatness – especially when it comes to elite quarterbacks, athletic wide receivers, and dominant defenders.

We appreciate how talented the best players are and we give them credit for their contributions to their team’s success and their impressive individual numbers.

At the same time, there are lesser-known players who don’t enter the league as top draft picks or with a lot of attention, and fans take longer to notice them.

Then there are also players throughout the NFL that contribute in huge ways but fly under the radar compared to the big-time stars.

On ESPN.com, Bill Barnwell put together his “2019 All-Underrated Team” where he picked 24 “players who have been more impressive than public perception this season.”

Here are a few of those players:

• Ryan Tannehill, Titans QB
• Austin Ekeler, Chargers RB
• John Brown, Bills WR
• Demario Davis, Saints LB
• Marlon Humphrey, Ravens CB

Plenty of people in the sports world are underrated, underappreciated, overlooked, and their efforts go largely unnoticed or they don’t get the recognition they should. Unfortunately, the same is true in our own lives.

How many times have the people who make our lives so much better go unnoticed by us…and receive little recognition? We may be thankful for the big things they do, and then overlook the smaller blessings that consistently contribute to our well being. As a result, they may feel underappreciated.

The challenge for us is to live a life of thankfulness where we appreciate the little things and notice those people that truly make a difference in our lives. That may sound cliche, but a heart filled with gratitude toward God and others provides us with great contentment and joy.

When we appreciate what we have and who we know, we will spend less time complaining and coveting. When we start noticing the key people God has placed in our lives who help us thrive, we’ll be filled with awe and appreciation.

Most importantly, each day we should show tremendous appreciation for the grace and forgiveness God has given us through Jesus, and be aware of all He’s doing in and around us. No matter what is going on in life, we can remain grateful that He is with us and that He loves us.

Today as we live with thankfulness toward God and a proper appreciation toward others, let’s hold on tightly to these two verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) tells us to, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:17 (ESV) reminds us that “…whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I ask that I become more aware of Your goodness and love, and filled with appreciation for all You are and all You’ve done. Thank you for the people and blessings all around me. Help me not to underappreciate them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.