Proud Parent

Today, I was overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed with pride as I reflected on my children and the amazing young people they are.

It started with an excited phone call from my daughter. Last week, she auditioned for the Oklahoma all-state choir. Yesterday she learned that she moved on to the second round auditions.

Today, she learned she had the highest score in the state for her part.

I could hear her shaking with excitement as her voice rang through the phone. As a matter of fact, all of my co-workers in the office could hear the excitement in her voice! It was an incredible moment.

On my way home from work, I reflected on that moment. And all of the other moments—big and small—with my kids.

I thought about Cole’s fourth place finish in the national livestock judging championship and how he led his team to a second place finish in the nation. Covid-19 prevented his participation in the world championships.

I thought about Blake being honored as valedictorian of his graduating class. Watching him accept scholarships and honors at my alma mater made me burst with pride.

I marvel over Cole’s ability to pick up the guitar and teach himself to play. I love to just sit back and record him playing.

But it’s not just the things they do. It’s who they are.

I have watched them all persevere through things no child should have to face—from an ugly divorce to the death of their father. I’ve watched Cassie battle back from an angry, scared child with an unwanted medical diagnosis to a warrior who sees her disability as just a little bump in the road. I’ve watched with pride as they have fought anger and bitterness, depression and anxiety—and as they continually rise above those things Satan means for evil.

As I thought on who my kids are, the tears began to trickle down my cheeks. Such pride. Such joy. Such gratitude to the Father who entrusted these kids to me.

And that’s when it happened.

In the quiet of my car, I heard the Father whisper over me, “My Child, just as you rejoice over the accomplishments of your children, so I rejoice over you.”

Talk about tears! In that moment, I couldn’t hold them back. The emotions rushed through my body as the tears flowed freely. What joy to know the Father looks down on us with such pride—just as we do our own children.

My friends, maybe you need to hear this just as much as I did.

Your Father is proud of you! He’s rejoicing over you today!

Maybe it’s that first step toward a stronger walk with Him.

Maybe it’s a turning from a sin that has kept you from Him.

Maybe it’s a decision to share His love with someone around you.

Maybe it’s the perseverance to keep going in the face of the trials of this life.

Maybe it’s because you had the strength to walk away from a toxic relationship.

Maybe it’s because you responded with compassion and kindness.

Maybe it’s simply because you belong to Him.

I don’t know exactly what it is in your life, but I know He is looking down like a proud Father. The tears are welling up in His eyes as He reflects on the beauty of who you are, of who you are becoming.

He is proud of you simply because you belong to Him.

For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17