{"id":3727,"date":"2016-11-13T09:00:23","date_gmt":"2016-11-13T15:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3727"},"modified":"2016-11-05T23:10:28","modified_gmt":"2016-11-06T04:10:28","slug":"choose-to-validate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3727","title":{"rendered":"Choose to Validate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Another Year of Choices<\/em><\/p>\n

By Barbara Dahlgren<\/em><\/p>\n

\"SophiaWhen our granddaughter Sophia was eighteen-months-old, I remember our delight in watching her learn so many new things like walking, talking, and becoming aware of all the wonders around her. What a glorious age! Of course, with each new feat she mastered or new word she repeated we smiled with great pleasure, clapped and praised her. One day when she did something she thought was praise worthy she clapped, patted herself on the arm, and said, \u201cGood job!\u201d<\/p>\n

Her mother laughingly asked, \u201cDo you think we are over-validating?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d I replied. \u201cThe more praise, the better.\u201d<\/p>\n

It is easier to build strong children than repair broken adults. The word validate actually comes from the Latin word validus<\/em> meaning \u201cto be made strong.\u201d Strong children are built through praise, encouragement, and validation.<\/p>\n

My heart goes out to all the children who grow up without a word of encouragement or any validation. Not only do they feel unloved and unwanted, they are ill prepared to face a world eager to point out all their flaws and inadequacies. When they don\u2019t get the approval of others, they feel unworthy and depressed.<\/p>\n

Validation in the Christian life is important as well.<\/p>\n

Consider this\u2026 Validation for a Christian has a two-fold significance which can be summed up through God\u2019s love and our love for one another.<\/p>\n

God\u2019s Love<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fortunately for all of us, Jesus came for the broken and those of us who\u2019ve never been validated. We are God\u2019s beloved children. He loves us. He wants us. He could have anyone on the face of the earth, yet He chose us. He died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). We don\u2019t have to do anything to earn his approval, respect, or love. He validates us by being with us and living in us. His life in us gives ours great meaning.<\/p>\n

Love for One Another<\/strong><\/p>\n

God validates us and we should validate one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage one another and build each other up. No matter what age we are, we desire to be accepted and respected. Let\u2019s not miss an opportunity to let others know they are appreciated. If people have had a positive influence on your life, why not tell them? Even the words thank you<\/em> can have great meaning when spoken sincerely.<\/p>\n

Frankly, I think Sophia had the right idea. I see nothing wrong with occasionally patting ourselves on our own arms and saying, \u201cGood job!\u201d However, let\u2019s not forget to thank God for His help in our accomplishment. And while we\u2019re at it, why not thank all those who helped us along the way. They could probably use a little validation as well.<\/p>\n

\"Thank-you-word-cloud<\/p>\n

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Suggestions for practicing this choice\u2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n