You are 16 years old today. I remember turning 16. I also remember it only lasted about 30 minutes and then I was turning 17. I think you will find that time just speeds up from here. But I already know that you are going to ROCK being 16. You are confident in who you are and what you want. You don't let friends make your decisions for you or talk you into things you that you don't want to do. You are a healthy eater and physically active, and I hope that is something you will always continue. You get along well with everyone, whether it is others your age, teachers, elderly people, or kids. Proud is an understatement.
There are a few things I want you to remember throughout this year, along with some pics of your year as a 15 year old...
This was our ski trip last Christmas. You have only been skiing a few years but I would say you qualify as 'expert'.
Drive carefully. You are now on your own. Dad and I aren't going to be there to tell you to slow down, which way to turn, or how fast you should go. You have been driving with us for 2 years now, and you are a great driver. I have tried to make a point to not tell you how to get home from where we are so that you would have to find your own way, even if it's different from the way I would have chosen. If all else fails, use your GPS. Don't text and drive. Even if it's me that is texting you. There has never been a text sent in the history of EVER that has been worth dying over. A wreck can happen from looking away for just a second. When you're driving, you are accepting the responsibility for your own life and the lives of others around you. Make smart choices when you're behind the wheel. And more importantly, plan for others around you to make stupid choices and remain cautious all the time. Remember, everyone has a blind spot, a lot of people drink and drive, and even more text and drive. You have to pay attention enough for everyone around you.
You got your letter jacket as a freshman because you played Varsity football as a freshman.
Learn to be content with what you have. This is a hard one, even for adults. It's good to have goals and dreams, so but in the mean time just be content. There will always be a newer, better thing that looks really great and you will think you just HAVE to have it, but the truth is, a year from now there will be another new thing that you will want so you will wish you would've just waited. You are just now 16 and have more than most 16 year olds I know. Take some time to make money and sit on a while before you decide what you really want to do with it. Don't compare yourself to your friends. You are not them. They are not you. We are all uniquely blessed and making our own paths to happiness and success.
I was so proud of you for getting these awards. One was for good citizenship in the school, and I'm more proud of that than I would be any academic award.
Recognize your influence. People are watching you, whether you realize it or not. Tell the truth, make good choices, never turn down an opportunity to learn something new, and admit when you are wrong. In the words of Tim McGraw, "always stay humble and kind".
You and dad being silly at Harding.
Read your Bible and pray, and not just when you're alone. If you find yourself in a situation that would benefit from prayer, pray out loud with whomever you are with. You will find that when YOU are the person in need, you will understand how much it means to be prayed for. Prayers don't have to be fancy or use big words. God already knows you and knows the need, but He needs to hear it from you.
When you are dating someone, make it a habit to pray with her. Dad and I used to have a 'date' on the front lawn at Harding with nothing but a blanket to sit on and a Bible to read. He would read out loud and we would pray together. It's the cheapest but most meaningful date you can have. It's a great way to keep God in the center of your relationship.
You and Joe got to kick in the Arkansas Razorback stadium this summer.
Make good grades. The first thing colleges look at is your high school GPA and ACT score. Learn to study now and the transition to college will be easier. And ask me or dad for help when you need it. You know I'd love to make you some flash cards (even if it's those terrible polyatomic ions)!
When Parker was hurt, you loaded up a car full of boys to go visit him and make him feel better.
Be good to your brother. I grew up as the younger sibling, and it can be hard. Austin loves you and looks up to you (whether he'll admit that or not). You had 5 years as an only child and didn't know any different, but he's never been without a sibling around. In a few short years, you'll be leaving for college and he'll miss having time with you. Make these last few years with him your best. Take this time to become best friends because you may never live under the same roof after you move off to college, you really never know. Your friends will come and go, but Austin will always be your brother.
You spent 2 weeks at camp this summer, one as a camper and the other as a counselor.
Be aware of how Satan tries to bring you down, and recognize it as such. It's so hard to be a teenager sometimes, and he will work to make it even harder for those who are trying to do right. Keep your thoughts pure. I can't even imagine how hard that would be for a teenage boy to do while having cute girls running around in clothing that barely covers their rear ends along with it being all over the internet and social media. But that goes back to having respect for them, as women, even if they don't currently respect themselves enough to dress modestly. Satan knows how to make the wrong choice look really good, but if you already know it's coming from him, then you know you can win that battle. Last Sunday John Cannon said these words: "The world never wins against those who are in Jesus". As long as you remember who you are and who you belong to, making the right choices will be easier.
You with your "little buddy" on the Houston mission trip
Some thoughts on dating: When you go out with a girl, your number one goal is to make her feel special. She is somebody's princess and should be treated as such. Open all of her doors. If she's cold give her your jacket. If she's sick ask her what she needs and get it for her. Honor her body and treat her with respect. If you wouldn't marry her, then don't even waste your time, energy, and effort. If she isn't nice to you, if she asks you to do things that she knows are against your beliefs, or she doesn't have the same core beliefs in God that you have, then she's probably not the one God has planned for you. Be patient. Very few people actually meet the person they are going to marry while in high school. You have lots of time to be picky!
You and Austin on the first day of school
Be a leader. You are growing into being the leader of your (future) household. Your wife isn't going to want a man that just follows what everyone else is doing. She is going to need you to be able to make decisions for your family and stand firm in those decisions. You are already so great at not being a follower, so this year focus on developing your leadership skills.
Friday night football
Happy birthday, Aaron. I'm ridiculously proud to be your mom. Your number one goal in life is to get to heaven, so keep living every single day striving to meet that goal. God has already done great things with you and I am honored to have a front row seat to watch His plans for your life play out.
I love you,
Mom
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