How To Stop Feeling Underappreciated and Unseen

James and I were sitting in a meeting going over a giant to-do list that ourselves and others were handling for a non-profit. We shared everything we had completed for upcoming events, social media, fundraising etc. When we were done sharing everything we did, it was everyone else’s turn to share what they completed. The room fell silent. Once again, James and I were the only ones to complete the tasks assigned to us. As frustrating as it was, we were patient and extending grace. We never brought up how every time something needed done we were the only ones completing our tasks.

Fast forward a few meetings and James and I were sitting there once again with our completed tasks while the rest of the room fell silent. One person spoke up and said the ministry will start heading in a new direction and they reassigned everyone to new responsibilities. While this was happening I watched everything that James and I oversaw be taken away from us and given to everyone else. We were the only two in the room with zero responsibilities. The two who always got everything done was suddenly left with nothing. I wanted to cry. I spent countless hours and years working so hard and in a moment it was all taken away, unjustly.

In the car ride home I was telling James how sad I was. How all the work we’ve done has gone unnoticed. How all the money we raised for events were not appreciated. We were never told thanks and now they want to give all the work to everyone else but us? It didn’t make sense.

At that moment I felt underappreciated and not seen. To be totally honest, all I wanted to do was stand up and shout everything we have successfully done and all the ways they were failing. That we were not the problem. I wanted to be seen.

Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”

I’m sure you can relate. Whether you’re a mother who is spending your days working hard to maintain your home and no one notices. Or you’re often passed up in the workplace and aren’t given a chance to really show your capabilities. Or you’re overworking yourself for people who don’t see your sweat and tears. Surely, there are times we need to reevaluate whether it’s a healthy work environment but we can’t leave something every time we’re not seen and appreciated.

Isaiah 42:8 says, “I am the Lord that is my name and I will not give my glory to another.”

This verse is speaking directly about idols but God says He won’t share His glory with anyone… including me and you. If you’re too busy worrying about how much you’re underappreciated and your accomplishments are going unnoticed, then it could mean you may be trying to hog some of the glory.

When you’re in those moments of feeling unseen you can start to wonder your worth. You question if you’re talented enough, good enough, or even qualified. You can start to feel stuck and believe you will always be overlooked so you don’t even try anymore.

Don’t lie down and give up. Don’t stop working hard because others are so focused on their own work they can’t see what’s right in front of them. Don’t stop using the gifts and talents God has blessed you with because others don’t see their worth.

So while others struggle seeing your value and appreciating your hard work- remember who you are working for and how valued you are to Him. 

Luke 12:7 says, “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Even though I wanted to shout from the rooftops my worth, I didn’t. I had to remember that my work is for the Lord and Him alone. And to be open and honest, it was hard at the time. The last thing I wanted to do was allow all my hard work go to the wayside. But I knew that God didn’t want me to respond out of hurt or frustration.

So, what did James and I do? We offered our blessing to the ministry and continued on the path that God has for us. We refocused our eyes and hearts and have learned to show appreciation to others when they work hard and have the heart to see those who feel unseen.

While it’s hard and incredibly frustrating to be in these situations find peace and comfort knowing that Christ sees you and your work and those are the only eyes that matter.