sweetness at fifteen

Oh, Baby Girl.

I suppose every parent has that jarring moment of reality in which they realize their sweet child is changed forever. You did this to me the day we took these pictures when you put on a little lipstick. But our old minds play tricks on us, and we feel like you should still be a halfling:

 But happily, our sweet girl is still a sweet girl.

This whole quarantine business has carried with it a huge blessing of more togetherness. And it couldn't have come at a better time, after a year of adjusting to you being gone to public high school every day, all day. And the activities, friends, schedule distractions. (And maybe possibly there was a little mother/14 year old daughter tension along the way.) But these last 2 months have been so good for all of us. And your attitude has been beautiful through it.  

You still love art, drawing, painting, writing, anything creative. And you love music and often play movie or musical songs by ear on the piano. And you still play guitar and sing a little. Lately you've been excited about cleaning and organizing the house (which is great help to me!) And you and Jada are having fun redecorating your girls' room.

You still really love animals, especially the rodents--your hamster Jerry, guinea pigs, those mice at the pet store. You're the most responsible pet keeper at our house, and often clean the other kids' pet cages to help them along a little.

The biggest change in these last months--even more notable than the outward beauty--is your maturity in attitude. You've become much less self-focused, more patient with your siblings, and overall sweet-natured toward others. You listen more and talk less (a sign of growing wisdom). And it seems to be (as it should be) fueled by a love for Christ. This is the most gratifying change to see. 

Your Gramma used to remind me often that the Lord works in spite of us as parents, not because of us. And I'll be the first to admit I'm not a perfect mom. But today I am extra grateful for the Lord's refining work in our lives. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Keep reading your Bible and fostering wisdom. And keep furthering the kind of adornment that is "the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4)

We love you, sweet girl. Enjoy these years. And enjoy your 15th birthday!