Validation

We all need to know that we matter…that our work matters…that our contribution to this world, whether big or small, is meaningful in some way.I’m an editor for The High Calling, an organization that understands this. We believe that you, your work, your relationship with God, your contribution to this world—it all matters. And we want to talk about it with you. Monday through Friday we explore the intersection of work and faith, recognizing that our work includes everything from managing a meeting to mulching a flower bed.At work, home, church…in the car, at the bookstore, while walking in the park…everything that we think, say and do matters.In this community of believers, I have found that people speak the truth, through powerful stories and thoughtful reflections on how God is at work; their lives sing and their words ring true.As I visit writers throughout the blog network and interact with people in the comments of articles at the main page, I find encouragement, wit, honesty, questions, resources, love, laughter, acceptance—even validation.If you have never seen this video, I urge you to set aside 16 minutes to watch it. (If you’ve already seen it, don’t you want to watch it again?)(Oh, I don’t want you to be surprised about minor language issues: please note that at the beginning, a security guard hurriedly says h-e-double-hockey-sticks and toward the end, a guy describes some things using a word associated with the action of a vacuum cleaner. Also, be sure to click off before credits are done to avoid possible unsavory YouTube-recommended videos.)TheHighCalling.org has impacted my life and faith, providing a community where I can give and receive. Over the years I’ve received far more than I’ve given, so it was my pleasure to participate in the “Give” campaign. (Through May 31, every gift received, up to $5,000, will be matched, dollar for dollar, through a generous pledge by a High Calling reader.)I believe God has used truth-telling from friends I’ve gotten to know through TheHighCalling.org as a kind of validation in my life. They are a gift. TheHighCalling.org is a gift. I hope that my small gift can make a difference, as well, bringing a smile to someone’s face.

Hat tip to Garry Poole for pointing me to the “Validation” video.