To My Almost 15 Year Old

Claire-bear, 15 seems too old and at the same time, just right.

What a year it has been for you. You've always been diligent, and your diligence paid off in a big way when you were chosen to receive a scholarship to train at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in Mallorca, Spain, this past September. The thing that I savored the most was that all the coaches who worked with you saw, beyond even your talent and skill in tennis, a heart that exemplified the character they were trying to promote: effort, humility, respect, intensity, and discipline.

I thought maybe a trip to Spain would satisfy your heart, but instead I believe it lit a fire. You want to travel the world, to see and taste and experience the fulness of every moment. You love having a purpose, a goal, and throwing yourself into it with everything you have. You are courageous and bold and always up for an adventure, and I'm afraid you are going to leave me before I am ready for it.

Car conversations with you are my favorite. You are a good listener and full of wisdom. I love hearing your perspective on all matters. I love seeing your faith grow, watching you seek the Lord and His will for your life, hearing you wrestle through issues, watching you make thoughtful decisions.

You are a quiet leader, a loyal friend, a non-quitter. You broke your foot last December and still played three basketball games before we finally realized it was actually broken. You had mono this summer and still led your team to win the state junior team tennis championship before we realized that it was actually mono. I don't really know anyone else like you.

I know these next few years are going to fly by, but I am so deeply grateful for a front-seat view to watch you becoming who you are. Keep growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Keep trusting Him and acknowledging Him in all your ways. 

Happy birthday, my sweet almost-fifteen-year-old!!!