Oh, how I needed this season. At the time, when I left for my race, I was ready to be anywhere but home and I just needed to get out- This is how all teenagers think after eighteen years, right? Well, I got that- I ended up halfway around the world, and what do you know? Some days, all I can think about is how much I deeply desire to go HOME and see MY people. In the last four months, the most faithful Father has given me a whole new heart towards each of you, a whole new appreciation for what each of you bring to the Table, and a whole new set of eyes to see the potential for each of you in Him. So, this blog is dedicated to three of my most favorite people. Mom & Dad, I am BURSTING thinking about seeing you in 49 days (who’s counting? ;)) and cannot wait to have you on the field with me. Brody, you are the greatest little brother I could ever have and I cannot wait to have a Mexican food + fro yo date when I get home. I adore each of you and this is just a glimpse into how proud I am of each of you as well as how much I just really love ya.
My Sweet Dad: I just want to start with this one thing- I will be your girl 4EVER! I don’t think I say it often enough, but you have treated me with so much kindness, so much compassion, and so much respect in the last 18 years. Being on the field, coming in contact with hundreds of people, it is so much more apparent that not all people have a dad like you and I just want you to know I am thankful. During the last 4 months, I have been seeing the Father most in His gentleness. Honestly, this has not been that hard of a lesson because I see the Father in you due to the way you carry gentleness. You are always quick to forgive, quick to give so much grace, and always so quick to give another chance. I see so much potential for you in the area of leading and discipling men, out of college or newly married. I hear so clearly from the Lord that He does not want you to be held back by your past, but actually use that as a platform to reach young people and share of the faithfulness of Him. You don’t know it yet, but you are going to change the world and raise up men that walk in truth and lead in love well. I am so proud of you and I cannot even explain how much I miss ya, but you will be here really, really soon!
My Angel Momma: I just really miss my best friend. Truly, that is what you are to me- of course you are my mom and I respect you as that, but I also really appreciate the friend side too. Want to know what I miss the most? Calling you 4 times a day just to tell you about the chicken nugget I had at lunch haha!!! Seriously though, I want to be like you when I grow up. You always are seeking to serve, always seeking to be a comforter, and always seeking to see the best in people. You are just about the only person that can truly get onto me about an attitude because of the way you are consistent in the way you speak with kindness and are full of joy- I admire that about you. Something I tell others often about you is the way you excel in being where your feet are and being the hands and feet of the Father in your community. You have always said that some are called overseas, while others are called in their community, and you are definitely one that is called to their community. I can only imagine how tough Raceway can be, but the way you love the workers does not go unnoticed and I believe you will have extra jewels on your crown in Heaven for the way you impact them. Something the Lord has continually laid on my heart about you is your potential to love young women, girls, and shepard them. You have not walked an easy walk, and not only would you have a lot to offer in advice, but your compassion is an overflow from the Father and I know there are girls who deserve to be loved the way I have by you. I love you so much, sweet mom!!!! I am so ready to see you at PVT and I am even more ready to be sitting in the stands with you at baseball games this summer!!!!!! Xoxoxoxo
Brody Boo: My little brother who is actually bigger than me- ridiculous. Growing up hasn’t always been easy, especially not in the last year, but if I could walk through it again, I would for this reason: We now walk together, as siblings, the way it should be. Having a sibling that was not only four years younger than me but also a boy made things a little more challenging, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is such a joy to have you to keep me in the loop about cool teenager things, to sit in the stands and watch you play the sport you love, and to have good and real conversation, even when it’s hard. I want you to know a few things: I will choose you as a best friend to walk with, through all the things. I will love you and treat you the way that a big sister should, although I haven’t always done that. I am SO proud of you. & the most important- The Father loves you and He desires to have a relationship with you. I will always appreciate sitting in the driveway and throwing a football, sib movie dates, and the times we just get in the car to drive and make a spontaneous decision about what do or where to eat. It has honestly been the hardest to be away from you in the last 4 months and I really just can’t wait to be back. I am so stinkin proud of you and I really adore you. See you at the baseball field in June, my guy!!!!!!
Y’all are my people and I love ya the most. The Father blessed me tremendously giving me humans like you. Although it hasn’t been an easy walk, I wouldn’t trade it- not one single year. I want to let you know that I have not been as intentional with each of you as I should have, and I want to do it differently. Honestly, the race has taught me a lot and I know it will in the months to come, but I have told my whole squad: If there is one thing I want to take away- I want to love you three differently moving forward. All my love, King Fam!!!!!!
