My youngest son Jackson took Valentines cards and candy to school for his classmates. I have plans to celebrate with my true Valentine, Darla.

Are you celebrating at your office?

Would celebrating Valentine’s Day at work be child-like or childish? Fun or foolish?

I don’t have strong feelings about this particular day (I have always believe Valentine’s Day to be first and foremost about romantic love and not just fond feelings). What I do feel strongly about is the importance of celebration and expressing appreciation in the workplace.

We all share the need to be known and appreciated. Hopefully we each do business in a way that garners respect for our commitment and professionalism.

Unfortunately many employees and managers are taken for granted. Their good work goes ignored. Nobody seems to notice much less celebrate.

A sincere thank you or thoughtful note or email will do more to improve your workplace than a frivolous romantic holiday.

Remember those you love in your personal life. But don’t forget to acknowledge those you appreciate in your professional life as well.

Yesterday I had lunch with some friends near downtown Denver. Prior to entering we were stopped by a woman giving out roses to each patron.

“It is our hostess’s birthday today and we’d like you to celebrate by giving her a rose.”

The birthday hostess, as it turned out, was an older woman who was well known and obviously beloved not just by her coworkers but by many of the regular customers. She was nearly glowing with each new rose she received.

Companies rack their brains to improve employee benefits, but few do anything different. Often good old-fashioned thoughtfulness is the best perk of all.

Think beyond the obvious. How do your employees know you care? I’m guessing you could benefit from a little flower power.

I just came from Amazon where I was reading the comments around a new book I’m considering reading. In the running commentary several armchair theologians started sniping about Billy Graham and his ministry. Rev. Graham is one of the most respected people on the planet; even many who don’t agree with his beliefs respect and appreciate his integrity. I don’t know of anyone presently living who has made a more positive impact for Christ than Billy Graham. And yet–no surprise–there are those who criticize, demean and attack (none of whom likely have much if anything to show for their contributions to society).

It seems to me we have a category of critics who believe in good works as long as they are the “right” good works done “the right way” as determined by–who else?–themselves. It must be tough to be the human responsible for defining standards for the other 6 billion of us.

I’m not going abstract or deeply theological here, but I do think “roots” and “fruits” are both important. What ones does and why one does it are both important. However, if I’ve learned anything from mentors wiser and far more Godly than me, it is the importance of acknowledging the good in others, in spite of imperfection. (And believe me, I’m right there with the apostle Paul when it comes to the “chief of sinners” description he used to describe his nature.)

So what’s the homework assignment for the Holidays? Try for the next week to focus on the good that others do, even if you disagree with them. Whether the differences are political, theological, philosophical or practical, give attention to what’s good and right versus bad and wrong.

Of course this is should apply to people you like and love. Few of us ever over do it when it comes to recognizing, acknowledging and appreciating the good things family, friends and coworkers do.

I know I can’t silence the snipers and I’m not trying. (By the way, next time somebody takes a shot at you remember the criticism that even Billy Graham puts up with. It helps keep things in perspective.) I can encourage the thinking, feeling folks in my sphere of influence by reminding them and myself of the incredible good that gets ignored or swept under the carpet.

The world will be a little warmer and much less harsh if we do our homework and focus on the good in and done by others.