Dear Jon,
Well, I it’s no secret to you I’ve written and rewritten this letter to you in my mind over and over again. And while the original plan was to hand it to you on paper (soaked in tears I’m sure!), I felt you deserved a little–no a lot–more honor than that. So I’m publishing it on my blog. Not because I am eloquent with my words (or that you’ve my favorite or anything crazy like that)…but simply because it’s what I know I’m to do. So here goes…
Tonight you’re in your college dorm, moved away from Pleasanton for the first time. I’m guessing you’re a little scared–maybe a lot–excited, nervous, ready…a lot of emotions all in one. And those of us left back here, well I know how I’m feeling so I can just imagine your mom & dad
But thankfully we’re all trusting in the One who knew you before you were born, who created you in the womb…remember your Mom’s prayer? “And I thank you Lord that Johnnea is fearfully and wonderfully made?” (Ps. 139:14). Tonight I pray that you would “Know that FULL WELL” Did you know “full well” there is defined as “exceedingly, greatly, very, up to abundance”?
I want to say thank you for so many things…the first of that being your faithful attendance to youth group, to functions we did, etc. Not just attendance but attendance with enthusiasm and joy. You have truly been the joy and encouragment every youth worker dreams about having. You have spurred BJ & I on in our discouragment, wondering if we were making a difference in anyone’s life at all. Thank you so much for that.
Thank you for being a model of a Christian girl to our daughters—and our son. Our girls think you hung the moon–thank you for giving merit to that. Thank you for being modest in your dress, that I never ONCE have had to worry about our girls modeling their styles after yours. Thank you for being the kind of woman Judah could look up to and hope to marry one day. Thank you for babysitting them and not just watching them but truly loving them.
Thank you for fun personality. Thank you for laughing at my jokes. Thank you for making this 34 year old mom of five feel like she’s still alive and fun! Thank you for making me feel loved and that my words had value to you. Thank you for finally realizing purple is IT!
As I’ve watched you journey through high school and have known firsthand that it hasn’t been easy for you, these verses have been one close to my heart for you:
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
What an honor is to count you among the “few”.
You have not caved to peer pressure. You have not let go of your high standards. You have not hurt or let others down along the way. You have shown Christ to those of us who know you and I am so proud of you for that.
I truly believe God was showing you the narrow road in high school so that you’d know what it looked like now as you are off to college. Your Mom’s vision of the tennis shoes lines up so right on with that. You are being sent out, friend. Sent out to be a bold witness for the one you serve.
As you go, I’m praying for BRAVERY for you. All day I haven’t been able to get Nicole Nordeman’s song “Brave” out of my head…and now I know why. The first words always get me, “The gate is wide, the road is paved in moderation. The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in”…but there’s nothing like the chorus, “
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be braveBRAVE
Words can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss seeing your face around here but I’m counting on some sweet quality time of games and laughter when you do come home. And the fact that your summers will be spent with us overseas–well, I find comfort in that
I love ya girl…
enjoy the song and the trip down photo memory lane–
aubin
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