Dear Middle School Daughter,

Dear Middle School Daughter,

It’s the eve before the first day of school. Middle school. I shake my head in disbelief as I peer into your room for a quick peak at your angelic face. I place my hand to feel the rise and fall of your steady lungs. How can this be?

Your clothes are laid out. Backpack zipped. Lunch cool in the fridge.

Six short years ago you entered Kindergarten. Pink dress and braids. Uncertain. Knowing no one. Fingers in your mouth. We left you with tears in the lap of Mrs. Osborn. She said you’d be okay, and you were. Then, four short years ago we told you we’re uprooting to a new state. Tears fell again. You embraced the journey, replanted and bloomed.

And here we stand at the door of another new. Another chance to grow. To dream. To challenge. To push beyond the comfortable. You face it with courage.

You’ve never loved change. Maybe it’s because you live so presently, never missing moments. Maybe it’s because the unknown is like a dark shadow feeling ominous and exciting. Maybe it’s both of these so intrinsically intermingled, like blue and yellow making GREEN, that without either you wouldn’t have the beauty of the now with the hope of tomorrow. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

This wasn’t written in a time of certainty and joy; it was in the depths of the unknown. The Israelites were in exile for their own disobedience, for crying outloud. In verse seven, the Israelites were given a promise they’ll return home. But. Wait for it. Wait for it. In verse ten, we learn they have to wait SEVENTY years.

These words weren’t a security blanket to ease their situation, but they were a promise to walk through the present with purpose.

Sweet Child, this is what I want you to know….

Be strong.

Be courageous.

Do not be afraid.  

Jesus goes before and behind you.

Open your eyes to those around you.

Choose your friends wisely.

Look outward.  

If someone needs a friend: be one (but you’ve got to notice first, so keep those eyes open).   

Soar.   

Try.  

Give.

You are brave, beautiful and fiercely loved.

And about that GREEN: what if this color didn’t exist in the world? We’d miss out on SO much. Mix the yellow of purpose-full living and the blue of uncertainty and enjoy the adventure of the seconds that fill today, a new color to pave your way.

I love you. I would do anything for you. Absolutely anything. And I can’t wait to hear about your day.

Love Always and Forever,

Mom

6th grade…here you come!