My sweet sweet girl,
Today, you are turning 13 years old, and I wanted to write a letter to you with words of advice and encouragement. The teen years can be some of the best and hardest of your life. For me, my teen years were full of great memories as well as difficult trials.
I am writing this letter so that you will have a keepsake to return to throughout the coming years, and so you will know how much I love you. But the best resource you have to guide you through this new season is the Bible. It will become more and more important as you grow older to continue to learn and rely on the Bible. The words of Scripture are the voice of God Himself. Only through listening to Him every day will you be able to recognize His call in the midst of the loud chaos of the world.
Jesus taught us, "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much" (Luke 16:10). So much of life is not made up of great milestones, but of small, daily steps. It is not so much a being as it is a becoming. No one ever simply stumbled into Christlikeness, but they worked step-by-step, day-by-day to be faithful. You may not see much progress today or tomorrow or even next week, but when you look back at your years of faithfulness in little things, you will recognize how much God has formed you into the image of His Son. Here are just a few areas where you can focus on daily faithfulness.
- Humility (Hebrews 13:17) - As a teenager it will often be difficult to understand the purposes of the authority figures in your life. Remember, though, that God has placed these men and women in your path to guide you and that you should have a teachable spirit in light of that. Even when you find it the most difficult, remind yourself that these people have a lot to teach you, and they truly desire that you be a Godly woman.
- Perseverance (James 1:2-4) - Some tough tests are coming. See them through, even if it seems like quitting is easier. These trials are custom-made for you by God to make you more like Jesus. He is removing all the impurities from your heart so that you will be able to shine like gold for His glory.
- Patience (Luke 8:15) - People are always in such a hurry to get to the next part of their lives. Slow down. Enjoy where you are now. God has you exactly where he wants you for as long as He needs you there to learn the lessons He wants to teach you.
- Focus (Philippians 3:13-14) - There are a million things and people in the world crying out for your attention, but only One who deserves it. Focus on Him through Scripture and prayer, and He will make you more and more into the obedient child He has called you to be. Someone once said, "Your thoughts can become your words. And your words can become your actions. And your actions can become your habits. And your habits can become your values. And your values guide your future."
You have been given marvelous gifts. With the love of God in your heart, you can be gentle without weakness and strong without rigidity. Above all, remember that Jesus is with you every step of the way: "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). And remember, your Daddy and I love you so very much.
I adore you so, Noni.
Love always,
Mama
