To Brandon: On Becoming a Teenager

Happy 13th Birthday, Brandon! Welcome to the teen years!

Expectations for teenagers can be somewhat confusing. Many books are written about the years spanning ages 13-19. This stage of life is said to be wrought with hormones, mood swings, disrespect, and defiance. Multiple resources offer counsel for these years, yet hold your peers in low regard, deeming them incapable of surviving this time with their dignity intact and their faith strong.

Yet the concept of a teenager and even the word itself dates back only about one hundred years to the early twentieth century. Prior to that time, a child took on adult duties by the age of 13 or 14. With the birth of child labor laws and mandated high school education, the years prior to adulthood were extended.

If throughout most of history these years indicated responsibility and maturity, why would they now be considered by society as dreadful? Perhaps low expectations explain the reason for this relatively new viewpoint.

Even though the Bible does not speak specifically about teenagers, it does offer guidance and direction for those in their teen years. In fact, the book of Proverbs is written by a father speaking to his son as he approaches independence, which in those days often came around the age you are now turning.

Because the Bible is applicable for all people, regardless of age, we will always direct you to God’s Word first for any stage of life you are in or any problems or decisions you may be facing.

Society’s low expectations often represent teenagers as moody, withdrawn, manipulative, and unmanageable. None of these traits are approved by the Lord in His Word. When it comes to following Him, God offers no exceptions for teenagers.

As a Christian, you must seek much greater potential for your teen years than our culture’s dismal perspective offers. You must seek to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, a purpose that includes loving and following Him.

Over the course of the next few years, we expect to see growth – not regression - in many of areas of your life. In the past months, we have seen considerable maturity.

We are proud not only of your commitment as a leader in the Awana program at church, but also of your genuine fondness and compassion for the young children you lead. Your assistance after the devastating tornadoes this spring, as well as the eagerness and enthusiasm with which you worked, pleased and impressed us. The increased responsibilities you have taken on at home have been invaluable to our family.

While these years may be challenging as you sort through various relationships, see an increase in the amount and difficulty of your school work, and face important decisions that may affect your life many years down the road, we know you will tackle each task with great effort and enthusiasm, working diligently and successfully as you allow the Lord to lead you.

Keep your focus on God and continue to develop your relationship with Him by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Pay attention to all He is doing in your life, and never forget the great sacrifice of His Son Jesus that was made for you.

God has great plans for your life, Brandon. We refuse to lower our expectations by accepting society’s standards rather than God’s standards for these teenage years. Stand firm in your faith and follow Him every day of your life.

We love you!
Mom and Dad

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.” Proverbs 4:23-26