The Valentine’s Day Challenge

Posted on February 12, 2016

Valentine’s Day – the annual celebration of love and commercialism – hits us again on Sunday, and many of us will spend the coming days scrambling to find perfect gifts for our significant others (not me this year – already bought my gift!)

According to a USA Today article I scanned earlier this week, the top 5 Valentine’s Day 5 gifts are:

• Cards
• Candy
• Flowers
• Jewelry
• Gift Cards

These are all great gifts. But this year I want to challenge you to add something to the box of chocolates or new pair of socks you buy your spouse. I want to challenge you to take 10 days…a simple week and a half…and give your spouse the gift of encouragement.

10 days where you intentionally speak and write words of encouragement to them.

10 days where you praise at least one thing you appreciate about them.

10 days where you point out things about his or her character that you love.

10 days where you point out the contributions they make to your family.

10 days where you praise their talents and gifts.

10 days where you simply attach value to the person you love most.

You know during my military career there were times where I got an award, or medal, or even a welcomed pat on the back. These were all great and appreciated however no gift or no person can encourage me like Liz. Her words, her actions, and her belief in me are needed more than any other earthly accolade. She has the power to diffuse stress and literally give me energy.

So this Valentine’s Day I challenge you take 10 days and speak life into your spouse!  Drop me a note and let me know how it goes!