In just a couple months, my oldest child will turn ten years old. When I think about it, a knot forms in the pit of my stomach. Her time living under my roof is, possibly, more than half over. And, when I think about how fast the last ten years have gone, I can hardly breathe. 

Seriously, that little girl? I just want her back.

I worry that I haven’t done enough to prepare her for the world she must face. My heart hurts when I think about things that she will, most likely, endure.

Lonely nights.

Broken heart.

Consequences of bad choices.

Betrayal of friends.

Disappointments.

Life can be stinkin’ hard and, as much I long to protect her, there are things that will come her way. Things that even a mother’s love can’t prevent and Barbie band-aids can’t fix. All I can tell her is to fall hard on Jesus and to trust in his love for her. That is one thing I can find solace in – that girl loves her some Jesus.

Lately, she and I have had some great conversations. She has hard questions and deep thoughts and big dreams. I’m embarrassed by how many times I answer her questions with, “I don’t know.” There are days when I feel completely inadequate and it seems like a crazy number of women are doing this mothering thing far better. Then, I see all of my girls cuddled together under one blanket watching cartoons and I feel beyond blessed that he entrusted me with the task of mothering these particular little ones. Me, the nail-biting introvert prone to fear and anxiety, surrounded by tiny people who think I can do anything.

The truth is that I can’t do anything.

I don’t know everything.

But, what I do know, I want them to know too. For instance:

1. People matter.
2. Past mistakes do not define you.
3. Do something that scares you.
4. Be yourself.
5. Laugh out loud as often as you can.
6. Keep in touch with old friends.
7. Always be open to making new friends.
8. Don’t have preconceived notions about who can be a friend.
9. People can be mean. Love them anyway.
10. Don’t ever be too busy.
11. Find a reason to celebrate every day.
12. Be brave.
13. Be a forgiver and a grace giver.
14. Don’t be ashamed of your story. Someone needs to hear it.
15. You’re never too old to play.