I just have to take a moment and publicly announce that our niece Alli is the most incredible 14-year-old girl on the planet (and that’s not just because I don’t know any other 14-year-old girls). She’s spent the last month here in Connecticut with her grandparents, uncle and I, and I don’t ever want her to leave. She only has a week left with us before returning home to Arizona and I’m already mourning her impending absence. She has her eyes on the Lord, her head on straight, her feet on the ground, and her hands in the hands of my little girls. I’m not simply amazed at how good she is with my kids; I’m amazed at how I can talk with her better than I talk with most any adult. She listens, shares, and laughs with me, sits in silence with me, discusses Scripture with me, and goofs off with me, as if the only distance between 14 and 29 is cultural (the child didn’t know what stirrup pants were. I LIVED in those!). She seems to have skipped over that typical teenage self-centered stage when kids are convinced that their needs are the only ones that matter. She truly cares about other people and works hard to show them that she cares. She has a heart for the Gospel and longs to share it with others. She seeks the wisdom of the Bible and her elders to help guide her footsteps in her Christian walk.
And did I mention she’s gorgeous?
So to Alli’s parents – keep doing what you’re doing. And write it down so you can tell it to me step-by-step once my girls hit their teenage years.
And to Alli, my faithful blog reader who I know is going to be royally embarrassed by this post – thanks. You’re the best. And I mean it.
#1 by Vicki MacDonald on July 21st, 2010
| Quote
Emily — I wholeheartedly agree with this post. She’s beautiful INSIDE and OUTSIDE. Hats off to Julie and Jon too. A sweet, well-behaved, considerate, caring teenager is a rare thing, and she definitely fits the bill. Proud to know you, Alli.
#2 by Janna Frith on July 21st, 2010
| Quote
Aww… that is the sweetest post. And while Alli may be embarrassed, I know deep down she has to be pleased and encouraged.
#3 by Julie on July 22nd, 2010
| Quote
Oh you might make me cry Em! That was a very sweet post and although I might be partial I do agree. Not sure what we have done other than pray – maybe she needs to start telling people that she raised herself
#4 by Emily on July 22nd, 2010
| Quote
Vicki, thanks for your comment. Of course, sweet and well-behaved teenagers are NOT rare in your house. You’ve got two of them!
Janna – I hope you’re right. I just wanted to let Alli know that her beautiful, God-fearing spirit hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Julie – I think you need to take at least a little more credit! As we all know, raising one’s self takes an awful lot of help.
#5 by Alli on July 22nd, 2010
| Quote
Em, when I read this post I was not the least bit embarrassed but very very flattered! Words can’t express how much I’ve enjoyed being with you and your girls this summer and I’m so thankful for the time I’ve had, no matter how short lived it seemed.
I’m realizing day by day how much the Lord has blessed our family and that’s by far, aside from salvation, the best gift I’ve been given!