Fruit Inspection

Last Sunday I got to be a part of something very special. A friend of mine’s daughter, Tiffany, turned 13 on July 3rd. In honor of this milestone, “coming of age”, kinda birthday, she invited certain women who are influential in Tiffany’s young life right now, to come over for a time of fellowship and encouragement.

I have never taken part in anything like this before, and was so honored to have been asked to attend. I dearly love Tiffany. She is one of the most kind, genuine, joyful teenagers I have ever known. Someone at the party called her “wise beyond her years”, and it’s true. She is a lovely young lady.

As I walked into their house that afternoon there were women from every walk of her life. From Sunday School teachers and grandmothers, to neighbors and the mom of her best friend. Ten women in all. And again, I was humbled and honored to be included in such a group.

After eating and getting to know each other a little better, we all got comfortable in the living room. Each of us took turns telling Tiffany how wonderful she is. We shared personal stories with her, to encourage her as she enters the teen years. Some challenged her with scripture. Another poured her heart out in a letter.

It got me to thinking. It’s never too soon to start praying for the Godly mentors that will be surrounding my kids as they get older. Coaches. Teachers. Youth group leaders. Jeremy and I can’t be there for everything. But somebody will be.

I think it’s funny how I was asked to give advice on Sunday, but in reality, needed my own bit of inspiration as well. To think that in another 5 years, my own daughter could be sitting in a room with 10 amazing women, sharing their faith and guiding her into adulthood…well, it’s scary. This Mama’s gotta PRAY!