Our daughter, Madelyn, turned ten years old this week. It’s hard to believe this has happened so fast…you blink, and there it is. In her words, “I’m double digits now, Dad!”

I wanted to get her a gift from me that would be different yet meaningful. I decided to get her a journal and, on the inside, write a list of ten things I (we) are praying for her life in the days ahead. Ten things, that, no matter what, she would know we are praying for her to embrace.

Here is the list…

  1. I pray you will love Jesus more than anyone else.
  2. I pray you will trust God has a beautiful plan for your life.
  3. I pray you will dream big and trust God with the results.
  4. I pray you will find five minutes to pray each day.
  5. I pray you will read the Bible more than any other book.
  6. I pray you will put others first before yourself.
  7. I pray you will use your sweet spirit to be a great friend to those around you.
  8. I pray you will laugh often.
  9. I pray you thank God for your gifts and use them wisely.
  10. I pray you will know, believe, and trust in the Truth.

Do what is right. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8. 

Then, she can write her dreams, questions, and thoughts in the following pages. As parents, we can’t do it for our kids, but we are missing a real opportunity if we don’t lean into these moments that will go by quickly.