Even at 56 years of age, there are five words that can change my world – can make me want to climb the highest mountain, work till I drop with fatigue or be the creative genius that will make my wife and family proud. What are those five simple words? Five words I yearn for but so often forget to pass along? “I am proud of you!”

I had just finished a phone call with my parents, retired and now living in Florida. Smiling, I put the phone on the hook, sigh contentedly and begin thinking what I should do next that would make them proud. The last thing my mother, and then my father had said to me was, “Graham, I’m proud of you!” Then, “I’m proud of you too and we both love you!” I’m 56 years old and still love to hear those 5 simple words. I know you do as well.

Jesus was 30 years old and had spent over 15 years working with his father as a carpenter. One day He went to the Jordan River to be baptized by a wild man named John. Many were challenged by this fiery prophet dressed in animal skins, to rededicate their lives to God and wait for the promised Messiah. As Jesus was raised from the baptismal waters, a voice from heaven was heard saying, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.” God, the Father was proud of His Son! He was willing to tell the world that He was proud of His Son. Jesus was now ready to start His earthly ministry at 30 years of age.

How often do we tell our children, “I am proud of you!” How many of us – or our children - are satisfied with who we are? None of us look like the models in OH, or have the intellect of our professors or the poise of Pilar on TV. Maybe you have never, ever felt the magic of the words, “I am proud of you!” Listen to this. The God who created the stars, the earth, all the animals and holds the forces governing the universe in place, said this when He created humans. “Oh, this is very, very good!” Your heavenly father is saying to you today, “You are my beloved creation in whom I am well pleased!!” Let’s tell our children today, “I am proud of you!” Watch them beam with joy. Watch them make you proud!

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.