Quaran-teen

13- How Can it BE???

 A letter to my (almost) teenager....

Myah- you are incredible. How can it be that it was so many years ago you joined this world and changed my life in so many ways? I wanted to take a minute to write my favorite things about you....

To start off, you are PASSIONATE.  In every thing you do, you do it with intensity. You play hard and love hard. Every emotion you have comes to you at a high degree. This makes you sensitive, easily frustrated at times, determined, and incredibly in tune with the feelings of others. Because of this, sometimes you take on problems of those around you and feel them deeply. So long as you learn to lean in to the love that surrounds you (and stay away from the negative thoughts), if you depend on your Creator, I am certain the empath in you will be a force in this world. 

You are also incredibly INTELLIGENT.  For years, we have heard at school conferences how you are "wise beyond your years." Sometimes this means you would rather converse with adults or talk about deep and philosophical things, and sometimes this means that if you don't understand something, that you become inpatient with yourself during the learning process. Not only are you intelligent interpersonally, you are also incredible academically speaking. You really haven't had to work very hard for your grades. Please keep challenging yourself, however, and know that sometimes "not knowing" is a necessary part of gaining knowledge. 

Myah, you are also incredibly GIFTED.  You literally can accomplish most anything you decide you can do. Like learning how to ride a bike. remember when you were 5 and refused to let me practice bike riding with you, because you didn't want to fall? I'm not surprised that on my birthday, you woke up and told me you would ride your bike that day, and of course you did! Sometimes you decided to take on a new sport, and most of the time, if you try something, you end up being "a natural". Singing solos, competing in dance or gymnastics, making a competitive soccer team..... I can literally go on and on and on remembering new things that you have tried over your short 13 years that you have been good at. Don't forget that these talents you have- athletics, music, writing, etc, are blessings that God wants you to use for good. Do not be discouraged or compare yourself to others. 

Another asset is that you are FAITHFUL.  You teach me so much about the word and your deep understanding of spiritual things. Because of this you are convicted about doing what is right. Sometimes this helps you to withstand peer pressure, and I love that about you. I hope you always remember your innate sacred value. 

You are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Inside and out, you literally glow. Sometimes I stare at you and am amazed. I know, because you are almost a teen-ager, that you have a hard time seeing how beautiful you truly are. But please know that when you are joyful in your heart, your smile literally lights me up. 

Lastly, I am so glad you are our firstborn child, because you are an awesome example of being RESPONSIBLE. I have never had to do much as far as reminding you to complete your school work, and you are mature beyond your years. You initiate waking yourself up, do your own devotions, make your own lunches for school, wash your own laundry, and take care of your daily routines so independently. Sometimes, this causes you to become discouraged if you cannot do something as well as an adult, so I encourage you to try to find the fun in all that you do. Be less serious. Be silly. Be a kid while you still can, my love. 😁

I want to wish you the MOST AMAZING AND HAPPY "QUARAN-TEEN" birthday! 

December 22nd, 2007, changed my life forever and I am eternally grateful for you!