The Saturday Journal: I'm Proud of You

tathelmillerwriter
20 hours ago
3 min read

I tell my grandkids this all the time--I'm proud of you. And they reply thank you and smile. But there was this one time--actually more than once--that one of them answered back with a question--for what?

For what?

And I told my grandchild I was proud of him for lots of reasons and why.

I'm proud of you--

The words, I'm proud of you--it's a gift we don't give to others--nowhere near enough.

Over the past five years I have seen and witnessed a group of young people--some pull themselves out of poverty--become first generation high school graduates--first generation college graduates. And they are doing hard things with grit and determination--making a difference. From owning their own small businesses--construction and land management companies, real estate brokers, teachers, nurses, and working in other heath care fields, becoming Mamas and Dads, working in corporations, and small businesses--in the fields as farmers, and more.

Young person--there will be many individuals that come into your life and what you do for them--will matter greatly. You will touch their lives for the better. And they may not know all your story--but if they did--I believe they would say, "I'm so thankful you didn't quit--when life got hard."

I'm proud of you.

They leave early in the morning--it's a rush--to get to work on time--school on time. Dad's working overtime--and when something breaks at home--if he can fix it--he does and everything in between. Mama's working as much as she can--outside the home and taking care of laundry and lunches and dinners and everything in between.

Adults--there will be many individuals that come into your life and what you do for them--will matter greatly. You will touch their lives for the better. And they may not know all your story--but if they did--I believe they would say, "I'm so thankful you didn't quit--when life got hard."

I'm proud of you.

The journey had not been easy. And there in the distance a star is shining bright--high in the heaven, and Mary takes a deep breath--Joseph kneels by her side, and a baby cries--the Christ child--the Messiah. He is here.

And this thought comes to me--wonder how God felt looking down on this little town of Bethlehem-- seeing Mary, Joseph, and this newborn baby, His Son--Jesus. In my heart, I believe He said, I'm proud of you. I'm proud of each of you.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and

the government shall be upon His shoulder:

and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God, The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas to you and your families.

I pray it will be a time to reflect on that first Christmas and

know--everyday is Christmas--because Christ is with us--always.

In love, gratitude, and prayers,

Soli Deo Gloria

Tathel