Tween. Adult and Child.

She sat at the computer this morning, and she filled out an application to go to a university engineering program. She didn’t ask for help. She wrote the essay with grown-up words. She wore her glasses and a NASA sweatshirt that she picked out at Target last month.

She thanked them for the opportunity to apply. Then she emailed her science teacher and thanked her for presenting the opportunity.

 She is eleven years old.

Sometimes, looking at my tween, I am mixed with bursting pride and then this little bit of fear.

The pride comes from knowing her capacity.  How she can change the world, motivate herself, rally a team, think in this crazy big way.

The fear comes from knowing her capacity.   Knowing that as she grows, it may and will be away from me.  

Lord, help us both! My prayer is that fear may fade away.   That I may be the mother this young woman needs as she explores, conquers, fails, cries, gets up again.   That we can share this journey together.  That she knows of my, but more importantly Your, enduring love for her.

It is beautiful to have this daughter.

It is a gift beyond what I could have earned or expected.

Thank you, Lord.