Today
my only daughter turns eighteen. I just can't believe that 18 years have flown by so
fast. She is beautiful, inside
and out, and being her mother has been the greatest privilege I have ever
had. This is one of my favorite pics of her when she was younger. Looks like a porcelain doll looking up to heaven.
I have been trying for weeks to decide what I was going to say to
her when today rolled around and finally just decided to came up with a list of simple things I've tried to teach her that I pray will carry her throughout her
life:
I love you more than you'll ever know.
God knew you long before I did.
Remember that God loves you more than I do and
He has a special purpose for you in this world that only you can do.
People will disappoint you. But it's the ones who disappoint you, own up
to it and apologize that are worth keeping around.
Choose your battles wisely. Life is too short to argue with people all
the time about everything.
If it feels wrong, don't do it and if you know
it's wrong, don't go along with it. Be a
leader, not a follower.
Don't be in such a hurry to grow up now that
you're 18 and officially an adult.
Your education is far more important right now. Be responsible.
Think long-term rather than short-term because
the decisions and mistakes you make now can haunt you forever. You don't want to live with that kind of
guilt.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness
but is a sign of maturity and shows you know your limits.
Keep your life free from the love of money and
be content with what you have.
Don't allow any man to put you on a pedestal to
be worshiped because we all know what happens when valuables fall....they
break!
Prince charming isn't a fairy-tale, he's a myth
and doesn't exist. Marry your best
friend and don't settle!
Exercise and being in shape is a good thing but
make sure you put just as much time and effort into being in shape spiritually.
You are beautiful and never let anyone tell you
otherwise!
Always trust your gut instinct. ALWAYS!
And last but certainly not least......welcome
to the real world baby, now you're one of us. Ain't it fun!
