As a young girl
a typical conversation with Julia
was usually about the future.
She was always wanting to know
what was up ahead.
Surprises were not in her wheelhouse.
One day she asked,
"What will you do when I am 20?"
Before I could get out a response
she and Kathryn interrupted me and
declared how old everyone else
would be at that time.
"I'll be 20," Julia proclaimed.
"I'll be 22 when you're 20," Kathryn quickly added
making sure we knew she was the oldest.
Then we spent time talking about
the energetic toddler running around
and what she'd be like at 14.
Of course we also had to ooooo and ahhhh
over the fact that when Julia was 20
I would be 50...
"That's so old!' everyone quickly agreed
Those conversations seem
like they were yesterday
and yet seem so long ago.
I remember thinking...
what WILL I do when you are 20?
What will life be like?
What will I be doing?
Where will you be?
Well Jules, I finally have an answer.
When you are 20...
I will be learning just how incredible you really are
I will be learning about how
brave
loyal
loving
faithful
strong
and funny... so so funny you are.
I will see that despite the
struggles
despite the trials
you will cling to what you know
you will work to persevere
you will find joy
you will be a light in the darkness
and bring hope to my tired soul.
When you're 20
I will, hands down, know
that I am forever grateful
that in the toughest year of my life
you stayed.
In my hardest days
you supported me
In my loneliest days
you made me feel loved.
When you're 20
I will not stop
reminding myself
that this little girl
who hardly spoke,
who rarely took a risk
now leads worship
lives with strength
and is traveling around the globe!
Mr. Hessee would be proud, no doubt!
What will I do when you are 20?
I will still be learning and growing
about what it means to be your Mom.
I will be amazed at how much you teach me.
I will be astounded at how much wisdom oozes from your soul.
When you're 20
I will thank Jesus
over and over
that I get to be
your Mom
that He has allowed me to
have a front row seat
in watching you grow
from an awkwardly shy little girl
into a bold, friendly and loving woman.
When you're 20
I will be amazed at your beauty
be overwhelmed by your talent
be impressed with your wit
and take credit for your ability to
rap and drop a rhyme like no one's business.
When you're 20
I will be humbled that out of everyone
in the entire planet
I get to be your Mom.
I will wonder
How did you become so beautiful?
How did you get to be so talented?
How did you evolve into this
person with whom
I enjoy being around
I admire greatly
and I esteem highly?
When you're 20
I will be thanking Jesus
praising God
that He has seen fit
to mold you
shape you
and fit you
for His purpose.
His calling on your life
is unique
is powerful
is amazing.
Happy Birthday Ju-Gee!
You're 20
(Yes, Kathryn we know YOU'RE 22!!)
You're amazing
You're beautiful
You're called
You're MADE FOR THIS.
20.
It's going to be grand!
