Big World

Dear Small One,

You are not so small any more. Every day your body, mind, vocabulary and interests grow.

Last night I watched you as you stood wide-eyed in a room full of people who seem eons older than you. I remember being there. Everyone seems so much cooler and older, and everything they do is just worlds more awesome. Surely their lives are more fun. I promise you, I'm there now, and you'll enjoy it when you get there, but for now, enjoy being young. We're nothing any more special than you.

You stood chewing on your lip, and keeping a fist on your face. Trying to act chill, but trying to figure it all out and be excited too. Little one, things will change a lot in the next 7 years. A lot. Who you are now, you won't be in 3 years, and in 6 years you will be very different from the person three years before.

As much as it hurts to believe the validity of this statement, be ready for friends to come and go. Its hard to make friends sometimes, so be willing to be a friend to anyone. Don't hold back in your friendships, but know that you might have to give them up. Sometimes things change. People change. Jobs change. Addresses change. Dynamics change. But with every friendship, know that me and your other sisters will always be around. We're not going anywhere. Don't discourage when people seem resistant to your friendship. Just always be ready.

Always be excited. Don't let people give you grief about finding joy in the small things. Laugh when you find something funny. Laughter is contagious, and it makes others around you happy.

Skip around the room. Dance when you hear music. Sing in the shower. Play on the floor. Don't be up on the latest actors and song. Embrace your family; you're stuck with us. Keep your heart open to the things of the Lord.

Start every day with a smile. End every day with a sigh.

My dear girl, live life to the fullest in Christ.

I love you very much!

~MadaLee