Take the V-Day Challenge!

Valentine’s Day is upon us. What does it bring up for you?

Florists, jewelers, chocolatiers, and card companies want your man to declare his love with big bouquets, diamond baubles, and fancy boxes of deliciousness accompanied by a $12.99 greeting card.

Good grief!!!

Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday. For many years, I had no man to shower me with gifts. Now, I have a man who thinks practically, not romantically. He is thoughtful and kind, but he is not a flowers and chocolates kind of guy.

At our house, V-Day is Validation Day.

In the 18 years, we’ve been together, I have learned to redefine V-Day to avoid arguments and disappointments. Valentine’s Day has morphed into a day to remember to validate one another.

Validate means to:

• Confirm.
• Approve.
• Support the truth about something.
• Substantiate the value of someone.

There’s no expenditure of funds. It’s an investment in our relationship that reaps benefits for a lifetime. Just think about it. What do you think would happen if you and I spent the next week, month, or year validating others? Not dominating them. Not flattering them. Just affirming and validating them!

What would happen if we deliberately affirmed, approved, and elevated others?

My friend, Anna* did just that. Instead of constantly contending for her way at work, she engaged in conversations, listened to other concepts, and agreed to try new ideas.

At home, she quit correcting her husband about the way he organized their bills, loaded the dishwasher and handled the children.  She chose to affirm his efficiency and parenting skills.

Instead of harrumphing in long lines at the grocery store, she began complimenting counter clerks and cashiers.

At coffee shops, she smiled at the baristas and fellow patrons.

Everywhere she went, she affirmed, approved, and validated people.

You could be happier by making others happy!

You know what? Anna was happier. Everyone around Anna was happier. She created environments that were cohesive and complimentary!

Roman numeral V validation challenge.

V is the Roman numeral for 5. Today, do 5 things to validate the people in your life. Do it everywhere you go and watch the changes. It’s exhilarating! It’s addicting! Best of all, it’s contagious!

Will you join me this week?

As we come into Valentine’s week, will you join me in spreading kindness and goodwill by validating your people at home, at work, at the store, and where ever else you find the opportunity?

Let me know if you’re in and who you’ll start practicing on today. Mr. 4-Ever is at the top of my list, followed by every service person who helps me this week. 

Scripture Refresher: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

Prayer: Oh Jesus, I want to be more like you.  Help me to be a source of affirmation and validation. Be my guide and illuminate opportunities for me to demonstrate your love and kindness all around me.

P.S. Remember, if your man doesn’t bring you 3 dozen roses and a 2ct. diamond ring hidden in custom made chocolates for Valentines Day, look for ways to validate HIM anyway.