Validation

 

My friend, Sylvia (pseudonym), was complaining that a co-worker, whom she had hired, was receiving a new title and a raise — all while Sylvia had spearheaded projects that  advanced company revenue.  Sylvia was dispirited and determined to look for a new job.

The Harvard Business Review describes 3 C’s that employees desire –

Career  -having a job that provides autonomy, allows you to use your strengths, and promotes your learning and development. 

Community -feeling respected, cared about, and recognized by others. 

Cause -feeling that you make a meaningful impact, identifying with the organization’s mission, and believing that it does some good in the world. 

We all want validation.

Recently I began a morning routine of push-ups.  Not the on-your-knees kind.  Real push-ups.  I would be nailing 10, then 15, then 25 – not once, but twice a day.  Oh the muscles that would appear.  Then someone pointed out that my push-ups were not “military grade”.  My fervor vanished on the spot;  I switched to sit-ups.  In private. Obviously.

And the only reason I do yoga is because I found a studio where teachers say things like, Good job, Nancy.  Keep it up, Sally.  I never look at the other yogis with their pretzel-like poses lest yoga go the way of my push ups.

God offers validation.  3Cs in spades.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!  – 1 John 3:1 

Whether doing push-ups or running a company – God validates our work – with the caveat –

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 

I think of Brother Lawrence, a monk who communed with God while washing dishes and peeling potatoes.  His little book, Practicing the Presence of God,  published in 1895, remains a classic.

I will probably never do a military grade push-up or touch my toes.  Yet God grants me validation, mission, presence.

And reminds me that at the end of the day it’s all about LOVE.

“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.”

– Brother Lawrence