My 11-year-old Rebecca and I have been having some really good heart-to-heart talks lately. It's not easy being a tween girl. Especially a tender-hearted girl who longs for close friends--heart friends who are loyal and true. I try to tell my daughter that navigating friendships is not easy. That the difficult lessons she's trying to learn now in cultivating friendships will be lessons she'll use the rest of her life. Lessons that even old ladies (like her mama) still need to remember with their old lady friendships.
But, you know what? Sometimes I find myself talking, and talking, and explaining. And probably saying too many words. I try really hard just to listen. Listen, and understand. Because I remember. I remember how important it is to feel heard.
And, when I am to my absolute limit of listening, and talking, and understanding (pre-teen girl issues take a LOT of all 3)...I realize I need stop talking, and let the most important One do the talking.
The other night, after a marathon of late-night mother-daughter talking, I pulled The One Year Mother Daughter Devo book back off the bookshelf. I snuggled down next to my sweet Rebecca, and read that day's life-affirming, God-breathed words of encouragement.
Since that night, Rebecca and I have been snuggling at bedtime, and reading that day's devotional. It's amazing how many days the words we read address exactly the latest conversation we've had.
I have to tell you--it's amazing to have God's Words answer Rebecca's questions and frustrations. I just pray she latches onto His Truth, and tucks it into her heart...so that when friendships are hard or sparse, she has that Truth to lean on.
Do you remember your own pre-teen years?
What helped you navigate through them?
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