Dear Teen Son
I blinked and you are becoming a man.
A beautiful kindhearted Jesus loving man.
There is nothing I can do about it.
I can’t go back in time to you asking me to “put on a princess dress & come dance with you”

I can’t keep you from doing stupid things, falling in love, or getting hurt.
I can’t keep you from thinking I’m a moron or not taking my advice.

This is your journey to walk.
These are your decisions to make.
These are also your mistakes to learn from.
​

But, I can whisper truths that I pray you will always hear in the back of your mind.
You are loved beyond measure.
You are seen and known.
You are valuable.

You are not defined by the number of a test grade or a sports score.
Your character is not intertwined with athletic achievement or academic credit.

Your character is instilled within you and comprised of your moral values.
You are a child of God.
You are tenacious and do not give up.
You are resilient and get back up.
You are committed to your passions.
You love selflessly.
You empathize deeply.
You stand strong in your convictions.

There is nothing you can ever do to separate you from my love.
There is no mistake great enough for your Jesus to turn his back on you.

You will undoubtedly take the path least traveled as the Leader you are.
​When it gets rocky and you stumble, remember that you don’t have to walk it alone.

So go now. Stand up tall. Grow into the Man God is calling you to be.
Go dance with the girls in princess dresses, remember that chivalry is not dead,
and, don’t forget to kiss your Mama!