Dear Jonah,
This week you will start your high school career, and I can’t believe the time has flown by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was meeting you for the first time, walking into the hospital room and seeing you in the arms of your birth mother. You were so tiny and she was so young, yet both of you looked content with each other. It actually took my breath away and I wondered if she would really hand you over to me.
Then she placed you in my arms and my whole world stood still. My little Jonah. This one I had prayed for was finally here.
I’ve watched you grow and explore and learn. I’ve been beside you during happy times, sad times, scary times. I’ve proudly observed as you persevered through difficult circumstances and come out on the other side stronger and more resilient.
And now, high school looms.
I feel almost like an observer being allowed an insiders look into your life. How are you already here? In just four short years, you’ll be launching, yet I’ll still remain, ever present, hoping you’ll reach back for me when you need to.
High school looms.
So for now, I’ll impart a few lessons I hope you will grab hold of.
- Stay loyal: to your friends, to your self, to your family, to your faith.
- Have fun: High school has such potential for making memories so be active with your peers and have a blast!
- Trust Jesus: He is the author and perfecter of your faith. He has good plans for you, so listen to Him and follow where He leads.
- Work hard: Study and do your best because grades actually matter in high school. You’re one of the smartest people I know so keep up the good work!
- Be reliable: Make sure others can count on you, whether it’s your friends, your teachers, your family, or your employer. Do what you say you’re going to do.
- Remember whose you are: You belong to this family and we are immensely proud of you. Remember, on difficult days, you can always come home and be with your people. We love you!
High school looms.
Yet I know you’ll have a blast. And we can’t wait to see what you will become.