Letter to My Birthday Boy: 18 Years Old

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Reid Jackson,

       How did we get here so fast? I feel like I was just writing your first birthday letter and now you're turning 18! I know it's cliche, but time really does fly by. I keep thinking I have so much more time with you, but the reality is that you're grown and you'll be graduating in a year. It crushes my heart to think that the majority of time that I'll ever spend with you has already happened. As a mom, all of these thoughts have been flooding my mind... "Did I teach him the right things?" "Can he survive without me?" "Did I prepare him for the real world and how to be successful?" Then the Holy Spirit calms me and I take a deep breath... remembering who you are and Whose you are. You are smart, capable, kind, respectful...a thinker and a problem-solver... stubborn, persistent, and headstrong...determined to accomplish any goal that you've set for yourself. And I love all of those things about you. 

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I know it's a stressful season right now... starting to think about adulthood, your future, friends going off to college to start their own lives, transitioning from a kid to an adult, new responsibilities, and so much pressure. I just want you to know that you don't have to have it all figured out. And that you're not alone... ever. We're not in control enough to mess up God's plans. His plan will always prevail. How reassuring is that?! And he doesn't want us to figure it out or do it alone. He just wants us to walk with him in beautiful cooperation where we say, "Ok, God. What's next? I don't want to miss it!" Because life is mostly about the journey... the growth... the sanctification... more than trying to hurry and get to the final destination. If we rush, we'll miss all of the amazing little opportunities God has for us to tell others about him! As a Christian, your final destination is secure and it's oh so good... so in the meantime, we walk this "life between two gardens" as an adventure with God. Sometimes the path isn't easy... the way is narrow...or there are thorns...or we get tired and weary because the hike is hard... but if we keep following Him...walking with Him...he always leads us to the most beautiful places. 

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Here are a few tips I have for you on your 18th birthday:

1. Always remember: you were loved long before you knew what love was—and that doesn’t expire when you turn 18.
   “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” – Jeremiah 31:3

2. Be kind. Not the easy, surface-level kind—but the kind that shows up when it’s inconvenient.
   “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” – Ephesians 4:32

3. You don’t have to have everything figured out. (Honestly, most adults are just winging it.)
   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

4. Call your mom. Not just when you need something —just because it's important to take care of her heart. 
   

5. Choose people who bring peace to your life, not chaos disguised as excitement.
   “Blessed are the peacemakers.” – Matthew 5:9

6. Work hard, but don’t forget to laugh. Life isn’t meant to feel like one long to-do list.
   “There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

7. If you mess up (you will), own it, learn from it, and move forward.
   “His mercies are new every morning.” – Lamentations 3:23

8. Trust your gut—and invite God into your decisions.
   “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6

9. Take care of your body—it’s the only place you have to live.
   “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19

10. Money matters, but it’s not everything. Character will always matter more.
    “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” – Proverbs 16:8

11. Don’t be afraid to stand alone if it means standing for what’s right.
    “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

12. Say “I love you” often. You’ll never regret it.
    “Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

13. Protect your peace. Not everyone deserves access to your energy.
    “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:15

14. Be brave enough to try, even if you might fail. Especially then.
    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

15. The world needs strong men—but even more, it needs good ones. Be both.
    “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

16. Never forget where you came from—and know you can go anywhere with God guiding you.
    “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

17. Life will change, people will change—but God never does.
    “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

18. Pray when you’re unsure, grateful, overwhelmed, or just because.
    “Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

19. When you feel weak, remember where your strength comes from.
    “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

20. No matter how far you go or how much life changes, you are never alone.
    “I am with you always.” – Matthew 28:20

21. And no matter how old you get, you’ll always be my greatest adventure—and one of my greatest answered prayers.
    “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” – James 1:17

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18 things I love about Reid:

1. How you love music and lyrics - and how you know who sings every song of any genre or generation. 

2. How you care for your siblings and have a unique, special relationship with each of them.

3. When you call me mama 🩷

4. How intense and passionate you are on the football field.

5. How chivalrous you are and how you treat women respectfully and like a gentleman. 

6. They way you converse with others. How you look people in the eyes, shake hands with them, and can start a conversation with anyone. 

7. How you're the life of the party and always get excited about a concert, gathering, or being a "vibe."

8. The way you dance and then say, "ayyyeeee."

9. The way you pray. That is a gift and you pray so beautifully.

10. Your brown eyes

11. Your confidence - you know who you are and what you stand for. 

12. Your grit and determination. 
If you want something, you always find a way.

13. Your adventuresome spirit! I love that you love the outdoors - hunting, fishing, hiking, wake surfing.... exploring. 

14. How much you care about and value your health. Being consistent with your supplements, always thinking about your nutrition, and taking care of your skin and body. 

15. The precious, incredible, sacred relationship you have with your dad. What a gift. 
He was the first one to hold you, slept with you nestled in the crook of his arm for your few months of life, and you've been his priority since the day you were born. 
His ultimate goal in life was for you to think he was a good dad. He's so proud of you and I love how much you two love each other. 

16. Your sense of humor and how you can make everyone laugh. 

17. The way you protect others and stand up for those who can't defend themselves.
You have the best heart and you show true empathy for others. That's one of your very best qualities. 

18. How much you love the Lord and how you are confident in His plans. 
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This is the verse I'm praying over you for your 18th year of life:

“...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”

Philippians 2:12 

Doesn't mean "earn your own salvation." We can't do that. That's a gift and only comes from Jesus.

DOES mean ACTIVATE your salvation/bring it to full effect with awe-inspired fear of the Lord and critical self-evaluation. 

Work towards spiritual maturity. 

There will be seasons of your faith with ups and downs, but the overall picture of you life should be an upward trajectory of looking more and more like Jesus. 

“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Philippians 2:12-13 

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      My personality has always been to work hard and try to be the best at everything. And when it came to my parenting, that was no exception. I've tried to give you the best childhood, give you all the experiences, take you to all the places, and teach you all the things. At some point I realized that all of that is great, but all of that has to be done in the strength of the Lord... the perfect mother doesn't exist. But I hope that in the 18 years I've loved you, I've pointed you to the One who is perfect. And your relationship with him trumps every single other thing. If there's one thing you take from me or from our home, I hope it's this: Jesus is always the answer.

Reid, 

      You are the best thing that's ever happened to me...because raising you has brought me closer to the Lord. You've taught me patience, resilience, compassion, wisdom... I've grown up along with you. I haven't done it all right. I haven't always said the best things or handled things like I should have, so thank you for forgiving me for my mistakes and when I wasn't my best self. Thank you for giving me grace in my failures. And know deep in your heart that there has never been a single moment of my life when I have not loved you...and there will never be a day that I wouldn't sacrifice everything I have for you. You are a gift and a treasure. And I cannot wait to see you soar. 

All of my love always, 

Mom 

Letter to My Birthday Boy: 17 Years Old

My dearest Reid, 

You are tough, strong-willed, and a protector...you're a leader and have become so confident in the man God created you to be. You're a seeker of justice and a problem-solver...and it's really difficult to argue with you because all of the points you make are usually valid and make a lot of sense 😂

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You're a lover of nature and music, and you appreciate poetry and good lyrics. You're decisive and it's really hard to sway your opinion. I love your manners and how good you are at making conversation with others. You're the life of the party and are always making us all laugh. You love the Lord and have the most sensitive heart for others. You're mature and responsible, and you have grown up way too fast on me. 

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Jennie Allen, Christian speaker and author, once did a post about her teenage son saying that the "boys with little punk attitudes" might just be listening and changing, and soaking it all in, and that one day they might become the kindest and most thoughtful humans...that one day your little punk might just become your joy. 

And that's the best way to describe you over the past year... our little punk attitude teenager has become our joy. 

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Things Reid loves:

-football 

-fishing 

-music (Southall, Treaty Oak, classic country, red dirt)

-his truck 

-his bass boat 

-hanging out with CJ, Fisher, Memphis, & Tyson 

-going to the lake/wake surfing 

-lemonade & protein drinks 

-lasagna 

-cowboy jeans and shirts 

-working out/speed & agility training 

-Pastor Jeff's sermons 

I pray this verse over you in your 17th year...

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about these things." 

Phillipians 4:8

I pray you know truth, that you do what's right, that you have a desire to be pure, that you appreciate what's lovely, and strive to be admirable...that you honor the Lord with your words and deeds. 

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Reid, you are growing into you an incredible young man. I am proud of who you are right now and who you are aspiring to be. You are handsome and strong, and most importantly your faith is rooted in Christ and you know you are His. I love that you're learning and growing in your walk, and I love that you fear the Lord. 

I'm so thankful that God allowed me to be your mom... you have challenged me, changed me, and charmed me. 

You have big days ahead, Reido... and I'll always be right here cheering you on! I hope you have the very best birthday 💙

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Letter to My Birthday Boy: 16 Years Old

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SIXTEEN! I cannot believe we're here! You have grown and matured, and have really become such a wonderful young man! You're a great conversation starter, respectful of others, mannerly, and helpful. You're also still stubborn, headstrong, decisive, and a little impatient...however, you're more in control of your emotions and you're really starting to become confident in who God made you to be!

This has been your freshman year at North Rock Creek, and although it started off a little rocky with football, honors classes, and adjusting to a new school, you are thriving this semester and have really found your place! 

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Your favorite things are fishing, football, and music. You love being outdoors in nature, and you love all genres of music, especially if the lyrics are good! You seem to really connect to the words of songs, and I've noticed that music is a way that you express yourself. You had a great season on the JV football team, and you've joined the very first NRC fishing team! And even placed 3rd out of almost 100 boats in your first tournament at Grand Lake! 

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Basketball went well and you're still great at shooting those 3's! Your grade has an extremely talented basketball team, and I think if you'd stick with it, you'd be on a state championship team one day! 

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Reid, you're turning into such an incredible young man, and I'm so thankful I get to be your mom. All of the things that used to be a challenge for me to parent - your competitiveness, stubbornness, intensity, independence, not being easily persuaded - have indeed proved to serve you well. With the Lord's guidance, you've learned how to channel these traits in a positive direction, and it's been so amazing to watch you grow and mature. 

You're well-mannered, empathetic, intelligent, and loyal. You love nature, being outdoors, and beautiful scenery, which makes my mama heart so happy. 

I adore the way you study music and think hard about the lyrics...you've got some killer playlists and you always find the best songs (you get that from your dad). 

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I see the Lord in the way you love and protect others, and how intentional you are about your relationships. My prayer for you this year is that your relationship with the Lord will grow and flourish...that you'll look to Him for strength and live a life completely for His glory...that you'll not only be a fisherman, but a fisher of men. 

Happy 16th Birthday! You'll always be my greatest catch 🎣 💙

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Verse that I've chosen for your 16th birthday...

"And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people". 

Samuel 2:26

My prayer for you is that you'll continue to grow in stature... and in discord with the Lord and with people. 

I love you so much! 

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Letter to My Birthday Boy: 15 Years Old

Reid Jackson, 

    

    What a great year this has been, watching you grow into such a handsome, respectful, and brave young man. You are really starting to come into your own identity and figure out who you are, and it's so wonderful to watch you flourish. You finished up your 8th grade year at Grove and you thrived, despite my breast cancer diagnosis, lots of hardships within our family, and most of your friends being at a different school in high school. You persevered, matured, and endured when it wasn't easy. You made good grades, excelled in sports, and learned more about who God is and how He can be trusted in all circumstances. 

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You spent a lot of time fishing over the spring and summer, and even got your very own bass boat! I've never seen anyone love fishing as much as you, and it seems as though the water is your happy place. You are most content, most relaxed, most satisfied, and closest to God when you have that rod and reel in your hand. We went to the Keys this summer and you almost hooked a tarpon and caught your first shark. Another highlight was catching your unicorn fish in Miami near the hotel we were staying at...a peacock bass! Rivers, lakes, or oceans...you'll try to catch anything in any water!

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Next to fishing, you've also developed a deep love for music this year. Your first concert was Zach Bryan, and your second concert was...Zach Bryan! I took you, Lil, and CJ to the BOK Center in Tulsa and we had such a great time. I sat in the nosebleeds in our regular seats, while you all snuck down into the pit. It was definitely a night to remember!

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I can't believe it will be just one more year until you start driving. You took driver's ed over the summer and got your permit. I feel like these past few years have flown by and I'm not ready for it!

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I'm behind on writing this letter, so I included some pictures from your first couple of months of high school. You started high school at North Rock Creek this year, and it's been a really great place and community for you. It started off a little rocky, however. You were thrown into a new high school with new friends, new teachers, a new football team, new procedures...coming from a familiar K-8 community you had been at since you were 5...and right off the tail end of your mother being in breast cancer treatment, receiving chemo and radiation, as well as your grandfather being diagnosed with breast cancer just a couple of years after his spinal cord injury. It's been one challenge after another for our family the past couple of years, so it's understandable why high school was a little rocky at first. Integrating into your place on the new football team was tough, being a freshman was tough, and having new teachers who didn't know your personality yet or anything about our family was tough. But like you always do...you adjusted, you figured it out...and you started thriving! You enjoyed your freshman football season, you made all As and Bs, and you find your place in with several good friends.

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Bible verse for year 15:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4

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Reid loves:

-music

-fishing

-lasagna

-Chick-Fil-A

-new shoes

-hoodies

-Bass Pro

-being outside

-basketball

-football

-hunting

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Reid, my prayer for you in your 15th year is that you continue to grow and flourish into who God made you to be. I pray you lean into the Lord, and always seek His guidance. I pray you make a couple of really good, life-long friends who love Jesus and always point you to Him. I pray you will always know that your dad and I are proud of you and love you unconditionally - not because of anything you've accomplished or will accomplish - but simply because you're our son. I pray you know that home is always your safe space and you will never do anything bad enough where you can't come home. You are so strong, brave, and kind. And I love you so very much.

-Mom