Beth Grider 
My youngest daughter turned 16 on December 17th. Like every parent, I wanted to make this birthday special…even more special than the others. So, along with her regular gifts, I gave her a priceless gift. My mom passed away a little over a year ago and I inherited a gold heart necklace. When I received it the necklace, I placed it in a jewelry box. The same one I had given mom so many years ago. On one special occasion, I loaned the necklace to Holly. She loved it and expressed her interest in having it. Little did she know that I had planned to give it to her on her 16th birthday. On her 16th birthday, she received the gold, heart necklace that was her nanna’s. Her nanna hadn’t worn it in years, but I still remember the season when she did. This gift helped Holly to feel close to her nanna during this coming of age.
With teenagers, in today’s world, it can be difficult to make this coming of age unique and special. There are families who take trips, rent space, hire a DJ, order catering and more. Each family has to determine how to best celebrate their teenager. Holly went back and forth about if she wanted a party with friends. If so, what would make it fun and unique?With her birthday so close to the holidays, she opted to have a nice dinner with our immediate family and a party with extended family a few days later. She would like to have a get together with friends during the summer.
I also planned to write Holly a special letter for her 16th birthday and I encouraged her dad to do the same. So, she has a special letter from each of us to remind her of how much she is loved and treasured.
I have a few simple suggestions for those who would like to write a special letter to your teenager on a special birthday…or really for anyone on his or her special day.
- Set plenty of time aside to think, pray, and write your intended letter. We stay so busy that I’m often signing the card on the way to the birthday party/dinner. Plan to write the letter a week or two before the birthday, so there is enough time to ponder what you want to say.
- Include positive affirmations throughout the letter. Share something unique such as, a talent or story. Explain the impact of his or her life on you and others.
- Share Scripture that you have or are praying over the person and/or Scripture that reminds you of that person.
- Make the letter special to the person. Be specific throughout the letter.
Here’s my letter to Holly.
Happy Sweet 16, My Holly!
Sixteen years ago today, God gave us the amazing gift of you! I love you so much and I thank God for you every day! I hope that your celebration is as special and wonderful as you hoped.
I’m so proud of the young lady you are becoming! You’re beautiful, smart, fun and full of life. You are growing and learning how to love like Jesus and are His light to everyone you meet. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). I want you to always know and remember that you are special and you are a gift from God to us and to all who know you. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17) God chose you to be in our family and He chose you to be “the middle child” 😉. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11). You are exactly where you are supposed to be. My wish for you is for you to know how precious and special you are. There is no one else like you!
God has amazing plans for you. Remember, He will strengthen you to do any work He is calling you to. Don’t let fear hold you back from being whatever you want. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). God equips and prepares us for His work. You can do anything you want…you’re capable and God will continue equipping you.
I love you!
Love, Mom
I’ve shared my letter and a little piece of my heart who just turned 16. I would love to hear from you. We all need great ideas to show those closes to us how much we love them. Have you written a letter or given a special gift to one of your loves? I would love for you to share about it in the comments.
