For You, Thing 3 on Your 18th Birthday!

Here we are.  Eighteen years ago and you were making your grand and long awaited entrance into the world.  For me, the day did not arrive soon enough.  For you, I still believe that you would have stayed cozied up in there for as long as humanly possible.  It was safe.  Warm.  Predictable.  This world has a tendency to be quite the opposite.  But you, dear one, are finding your footing just fine.  One deep breath at a time.  So Gilly-Bean, on your birth-day, let's recap exactly what this last year held for you.  

You went and graduated high school.  Early. You remained a partner at Starbucks and earned a partner award for your strong work ethic and positive attitude.  I whole heartedly agree with that decision!  Freedom Reigns became a higher priority and I can not even log the hours you spent at the barn, running ministry related errands, volunteering at events, training Dancer, cleaning stables, hauling hay,  and pouring into the lives of the people who came to the barn seeking respite.  It never felt like work you told me.  And then there were countless stories of interactions and progress and Holy Spirit moments that made the entire experience that much sweeter.  Seeing the visible outpouring of joy from your heart was a precious gift for this Mama.  Friendships flourished and deepened and at your graduation party the people that came to celebrate you were a tangible reminder of the impact your life has had.  And you have only just begun.  You took a trip to Seattle on your own to visit Thing 1.  There was exploring and even a road trip to Portland.  I do believe that the nature of traveling alone excites you and broadens your sense of self and discovery that is unique to the experience.  There of course was transition in our home and you were making grown up decisions that some teenagers never even have to consider.  The end result of loads of contemplation and pros and con lists resulted in you moving with us to Vienna. That meant leaving friends and all the known comforts of a place that was just starting to feel like home.  How brave.  The last five months have allowed space and time to explore your options.  And travel.  Let's not forget that.  You and brother took an overnight train to Zurich and spent the day adventuring there together.  Sisters and you boarded a bus to Budapest for a few days of parent free adventuring.  You and a friend went to Prague for 24 hours.  All this sans parental supervision.  I love to witness this bold and independent nature that is blossoming within you.  We may call you our travel agent because you also planned our Italy trip on your own.  Down to the tiniest detail.  Thank you for that.  Not only have you been navigating a new country but while doing so you have managed to sample some of the finest cafes in the world here in Vienna.  With a list about twenty deep I'd say that we have managed to cross off at least half of those.  You've seen the Spanish horses' training session, an elitist group of riders and the finest Lipizzaner horses here in Austria.  Then there was the epic snow shoeing trip in the Alps.  Adventure might as well be your middle name!  I kid.  We all know each decision was and continues to be calculated and intentional with you.  Your presence was so powerful during this move.  I've seen you step into the unknown willingly and with such courage, even when you haven't necessarily wanted to or felt like it.  Thank you for pushing through and saying yes.

You're a whiz with numbers and organizing.  Your creativity in the kitchen is unmatched in this family and your voice is valued.  When you do share it is deliberate.  You are a truth teller.  A warrior and an advocate for those less than.  Press in and seek Jesus in and through all of that.  I trust that you will continue to do great things.  I pray that you do great things for you and from that overflow the kingdom will be impacted beyond measure.  In this year of eighteen and with even more change on the horizon I pray that you hear your Father's voice wherever you may be.  Have I mentioned that you are moving to New Mexico in just a few short weeks?  Yes, yes you are.  The first year will be filled with work and adjusting to life with the Strands, in a new state and your first time living away from our "home".  And then on to culinary/business school at NMSU.  Yet another decision that was the result of hours of research, prayer and deliberation.  Boldly and confidently you are ready to enter into this chapter.

So I pray for this, your year of eighteen.  I pray it is filled with Holy Spirit fire.  New and fresh insight and perspective.  A movement far away from the doldrums and into self awareness and health.  Complete and total health, mind, body and spirit.  I pray that your light continues to shine, brighter than ever before.  I pray for your heart, guard and protect it.  Not so much so that you aren't willing to take a risk on someone.  Remember we all have a story and we are all beautiful, intentional creations.    Love is always worth the risk.  I pray for community and new friendships that are long suffering and life giving.  I pray for the new-ness in your life.  Shared agency is a gift and I pray you steward it well.  When you hear that inner critic I pray the voice of truth and love speaks louder.  I pray for mistakes and failures.  They are the valleys where lessons are learned, character is forged and growth happens.  You can do hard things.  I pray you always know how much I love you, how grateful I am to be your Mother and what a precious gift your one, wild life is.  Live it well.  Create a beautiful story and stand tall while doing so.

I love you more,
Mother xo