Today you turn 13, my precious girl! A teenager. I just can’t even…
And yet, I know this turning point in your life shakes your heart too. Actually, you would rather not turn 13, I know. Unlike most girls your age, you don’t really care about growing up and you would just as well stay 12. To you, 13 implies that you are in a new age bracket that stands for teenage angst, scary risks, and launching into a new world of freedom from childish ways. You aren’t interested in make-up, or boys, or navigating this world independently. You don’t have that fierce fight in you, to be detached from authority and make up your own rules. You’re somewhat of a miraculous anomaly, my dear.
Despite your resistance to growing older and becoming a teenager, I want you to understand the many truths you have already discovered in your 13 years. These truths reveal a certainty about who you are, no matter your age- and it predicts the coming years in a profound way.
You see, at 13 years- old, there are parts of you that have been firmly planted in the ground of who you are. These seeds have the potential to blossom in the ripe conditions of living and yes, growing older. What amazes me, is how well you have planted them, nurtured them, and how deeply embedded they are in your fertile soul. You have protected their fragility as they have been at risk through the peril of this world’s weather and I have witnessed them budding forth, with a relentless reverence void of uncertainty. Sprouts are blooming in their infancy, and I have been blessed to witness them grow.
This is the beginning of your internal garden, and I believe you have planted it wisely and with an impeccable gift of great discernment.
I can only pray it continues to flourish in the coming seasons of your life…
Your first seed is one of enduring Faith. This is the most valuable and viable seed you possess. I see your declaration and dependence on a loving gracious God and as we walk this road together, I am inspired by your desire to grow close to Him, understand His Word, and bear the fruits of His Spirit. There is no greater joy that comes from me, in witnessing your love for the Lord and your insatiable hunger for His truth, His guidance, His instruction. Precious daughter, this is your greatest gift. Treasure it, cherish it, feed it, and protect it. There may come a time you question it all, doubt His work or give up on His plan. I will spend the rest of my days fervently praying that this seed’s root grows stronger and deeper through the years and it never withers or dies in the wake of worldly winds. Always remember that no matter where you go or what turns you take in your life, God will always be there for you. This seed is that truth. Please continue to care for it above all others. It is your lifeline and your innermost workings of your heart. Remember His Power and always yield to His Promise, when you are faced with those things that challenge your faith.
Your second seed is Wisdom. You continue to amaze me with your insight on such mature issues and views into this world and the people in it. It’s an incredible dichotomy to see your innocence still revealed in your childlike ways, and yet your awareness of such intimate emotions and ideas on matters of the heart assures me of your keen sense of the inter-workings of people. You are incredibly thoughtful in how you can understand the complexities of problems and the depths of underlying conflicts within difficult situations and circumstances people face. I love nothing more than to counsel you in answering your inquiries and dialogue through tough topics you have had to wrestle with in your growing years. May you always search for understanding and may this seed continue to seek truth as you explore new experiences in your life.
Your third seed is Compassion. You have been given a heart full of passion and love for people. Your smile and your attitude shine brightly on all of those around you. You are sensitive to the feelings and needs of others and your caring and tender ways are appreciated by many. I am constantly inspired by your gestures of support and acceptance of others, and I am so often blessed by your generosity in offering encouragement to me. Don’t ever stop shining your light, my love. It radiates goodness and kindness and unequivocal love that this world so desperately needs. Shine it on the unlovable most, okay? I know it takes great patience and perseverance to do this, but you have both.
Your fourth seed is Grace. This seed of mercy is a rare gift. Your forgiving heart transcends our human inequities, and brings forth a profound and glorious glimpse into the heart of Christ. You are so quick to apologize when called into question, and I am forever grateful that you have forgiven me seven times seventy in my ongoing failings. This seed has been tried and tested and at times you have had to step through your hurt in order to reach the point of grace with others in your life. Your willingness to open your heart to such a thing, astounds me. There will always be people who let us down, and you have been given difficult opportunities to respond with graciousness, despite your heartbreak. Keep tending to this delicate seed, as the soil is still settling. The years ahead will help you cultivate it through ample practice in grasping God’s grace and pouring it out on others.
Your fifth seed is Strength. Oh sweet child, you are so strong. Your younger years have proven to successfully solidify this seed. You have relentless endurance and you fight every day to be the best you can be, despite your natural limitations and the world’s perceptions. Every day I have witnessed you work hard and never give up on whatever trial or task has been presented to you. You continue to forge ahead with an uncanny appetite for commitment and an incredible determination to give it everything you got. You don’t give up, even when you are faced with disappointments and defeat. Your tireless efforts will surely be your greatest asset in God’s plan for your life, as there will always be challenges and difficulties to overcome in whatever you pursue. I pray you continue to stay strong in who you are and how you tackle the tough terrain in this life.
Your sixth seed is Joy. Every single day, when I wake you up from a deep sleep- you open your eyes and smile. Joy exudes you, dear one. This is fascinating to me, because I have never witnessed such an innate gift in anyone. This seed comes quite naturally to you, as you face every single day with joy illuminating your heart and glowing through your smile. It gives you an organic energy that is contagious to others, and surely seems unaffected by the wavering pressure of the climate around you. Keep tending to this seed, with the rich light and spirit that you nourish it with. I have every confidence this seed will stay its course, because it was born in you from the beginning. I pray no matter how much the years bend your bloom, you will never ever allow it to break the stem of this glorious gift you were given.
13 years. It’s a lot to take in, I know. But your garden is already planted, sweetie. There is no need to fear the future, because these seeds?
They will produce a great crop, full of magnificent and miraculous years ahead.
I am absolutely sure of that.
Ohhhh happy, HAPPY birthday, sweet Cass <3 What a glorious celebration of your wonderful self <3 Adore you
She was THRILLED to know you shared this, Lizzi!! You know how much she adores YOU!! 🙂 (As do I, of course. Do you know we all still have your love notes on our windows/mirror? We will NOT erase them, until you come back to write fresh ones!)
So beautiful! Happy Birthday to your girl <3
Thank you sweet friend!! I SO appreciate you celebrating her with me. <3
A love letter for your daughter. How incredible that as mothers we can gain such insight into their strengths and their weaknesses, and sometimes even their insights into our own.
Lovely letter Chris. Congratulations on raising such a dynamic young woman.
Thanks so much Liv. I SO appreciate you celebrating her with me! I’m just really lucky. I have an incredible daughter. 🙂
Chris,
This is beautiful! What an incredible gift to give to your sweet girl. I hope you both enjoy her day!! <3
Thank you so much, Heidi! I pulled off a surprise party for my new teenager! (ACK- I still can’t even…) She was SO surprised, and I was blessed to see such beautiful friends surround her with their love. It was PERFECT. <3
Tears…so beautiful and loving. I love your analogy to seeds — so perfect!
Thank you so so much, my friend. <3
Oh my. You’re a one-of-a-kind beauty raising another one-of-a-kind beauty. Both of you “shining your light” and “radiating goodness and kindness” between and betwixt the struggles and the giggles. “Shine it on the unlovable most, okay?” What a MAGNIFICENT piece of advice to give to your child. This is a gorgeous love letter to your daughter. I used to write letters to each of my children every birthday, but I haven’t done that for a couple years. This will inspire me to get on that. My son, my boy in the middle, turned 13 in March. He doesn’t talk to girls yet, but of course, I hope and pray when he’s a young man, he meets a special young lady just like your daughter:)
Here’s to a joyous, fun day and another year filled with faith, grace, wisdom, compassion, joy and strength!
Oh Julie, more beautiful and truly gracious words you poured out for me and my girl! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, dear friend. I just can’t tell you how much it means to me to read your response. I think we need to get our kiddos together… YEARS from now- when your boy wants to talk to girls, and my girl wants to talk to boys! LOL My Cass has NO interest in boys. Our kids are PERFECT for each other! *When the time is right, of course. I won’t push it.* Hee hee… 🙂
Absolutely beautiful tribute to Cass and seriously was wiping tears of joy while reading. Happy 13th Birthday to your girl and wishing her the best day!!! <3
Aw! Thank you so so much, my friend! You are such a love to celebrate my beautiful girl with me! <3
I love this! So much love. What a wonderful blessing you are to each other.
Thank you so much, Katy! 🙂
This is all so very true of your sweet Cass. She gets her seeds from her Mama’s garden ; )
You made me CRY! You know her best, and ME best- which makes your comment SO precious to us both. Thank you for ALL you and Sophie did to celebrate Cass’s b day. I’m SO grateful.
Ahh.. 13! And 13 years of motherhood for you. Cassidy is a blessing to this world, and I love your tribute to her. It’s a tribute to your parenting and love too!
Thanks so much, Tamara!! I’m really just SO grateful for her. And yeah- um, I have..a…teenager? WHOA.
Brought tears to my eyes…I’m so happy that she has continued to be the same gifted, joy-spreading child she was at 3. I’m only sorry she and Brooke did not get to grow up together, because of our relocation. I think they would have remained close friends, different but each with her own insight.
Oh Rosslyn, I’m so grateful you came by to celebrate Cass with me here. That girl, she’s just such a beautiful soul.
And oh yes, how I wish our girls could have had the opportunity to grow up together! That would have been such a blessing- for them and for us! 🙂
Such a beautiful, loving celebration of your girl at 13! With God’s loving hand, you and Derek have surely helped plant, tend and nurture those seeds – the gifts of the spirit – in Cassidy. Happy birthday dear Cass – may you continue to bloom and grow in all of these gifts and awesomeness! ❤️
And you have been there through it ALL. I’m so grateful for that, dear friend. <3
What wonderful, dear words for an amazing girl. I remember turning 13 and wondering when I would feel any different. What I didn’t realize is that there is no immediate change but a slow, gradual evolution. I’m sure that all of these seeds will continue to thrive and slowly establish deep roots. I’m so glad she has these words to lean on in the years ahead.
Bless you both!
Thank you so much for your beautiful support Stephanie! You are so right- it is a slow gradual evolution. So well said, my friend.
Beautiful tribute to your daughter that is becoming a ‘shining light’ young woman! May you and her, and all her loved ones have a joyous birthday celebration.
Thanks so much, my friend! I pulled off a surprise b-day party for her! WOOT! It was just fantastic. 🙂
Great message to our girl. Happy bday my awesome daughter.
I’m SO grateful she has a father like YOU. We’re a good team. I love you, babe.
Beautiful letter Christine! I hope you also gave her a physical copy so that she can keep it for the rest of her life. What a lesson for us mothers – let’s take a moment to recognize and nurture the seeds of grace and greatness in our children.
Thank you so much for reading this and for your thoughtful response, Ami! YES- I printed out a copy for her. 🙂
Such a lovely message to your daughter!
Thank you Sarah!
Chris, this is stunning, stunning, stunning! Every single mother needs to read this and learn from the wisdom you share in this precious letter to your daughter at this crucial milestone in her life! I love how you relate her growth to a garden and seeds..and what words..how she “protected their fragility as they have been at risk through the peril of this world’s weather and I have witnessed them budding forth, with a relentless reverence void of uncertainty”..There’s no doubt your prayer, your guidance, the Bible Study are the soil and the nourishment for your daughter’s innocence and the roots she already has planted deep into God’s heart..have bloomed these beautiful, righteous qualities within your daughter, what a beautiful, beautiful letter this is — and what a dear child of God you have raised who will carry on the work of Christ into the world wearing the armor of God!!! So gorgeous!
Kathy, your comment- just wow. I’ve read it four times since you posted it, and I am still amazed and grateful for your gorgeous response. THANK YOU so much for celebrating Cass with me and giving me so much encouragement and support. I just keep thanking God for creating such an amazing girl, and allowing me to raise her with His Love.
What an absolutely gorgeous post. Cassidy sounds like a very special girl with many amazing qualities (many of which I have no doubt she inherited from you). Happy birthday, Cassidy!
Aw thank you so much Bev! I’m really just so grateful Cassidy is who she is. SO grateful. <3
Lovely and more lovely!!!!!! Happy Birthday to Cassidy (and tribute to her mom).
Thanks for reading this one, and celebrating her with me. 🙂
Absolutely beautiful! Those seeds are there because you planted them. Beautiful garden, beautiful girl, beautiful mom.
Oh gosh Lisa, thank you so so much my friend. <3
Oh Happy happy birthday Cass!! <3 Chris, this post! It's beautiful. As is your girl, as are you. I love the garden imagery and YOU! 13 is going to be amazing. Hugely.
Thanks so much my friend. I’m seriously SO blessed by that girl. <3
What a beautiful daughter you have Chris! And what a beautiful message you shared with her and us on her birthday. Wishing her a wonderful 13th year!
Lots of love from Paris.
Thanks so much, my friend. I’m a blessed mama, indeed. <3
Oh my – I love this idea of the internal garden!! I hope that I am doing the same within my own life and that of my children. Love everything about this — may just steal it for my own daughters. 🙂
A very happy birthday to a young woman who surely will continue to blossom.
Steal away, my friend! 🙂 And thanks for getting it. <3
Oh Chris, this is absolutely beautiful! A gem of a letter I know your daughter will treasure for the rest of her life! I hope our girls (and we) get to meet someday – mine are 12 & 15 now! Blessings to you and Cass xoxo
Oh wouldn’t that be WONDERFUL to have all of us meet someday? I would love that Sybil!! Thank you for coming by to read this, my friend. XO