My Dearest Jenna,

Maybe you're wondering why I took the liberty of writing you a letter rather than just telling you this word vomit in person. I mean I live with you so it would appear to be simpler. But I'm writing to you because there are a lot of things I don't know how to say out loud without situations getting really awkward and sap isn't really our thing. But in this moment, I welcome it.

I want you to know that in everything you do, you'll always have a person standing next to you, whether you happen to be in the wrong or the right (hint: it's me). Nothing you do will ever make me look at you in a different light other than the occasional "you're kinda stupid" face and that's just because sometimes you are and I have rights to it because I'm your sister. But honestly, there's really nothing you can do to separate yourself from me. We're permanently linked (ha, sucker). 

Even though you don't think I understand all of the important dramatics of the 9th grade, I do. I've been there (only just 2 years ago) and I know how the boys act stupid and self absorbed whereas the girls can be catty. In fact, I'm sure there's been a time or two where I played the part.

You need to understand that life is full of unnecessary drama and misguided intentions and accidents that will suck royally. But they will never damage you unless you let them. So when you come home crying because he stopped texting you I want you to remember that though it hurts now, one day you'll laugh at how silly you were to be chasing a little boy who was blinded to the extraordinary significance that is you.

Because no boy's opinion of you can ever measure up to God's design for you. 

(PS. texting isn't a sincere form of communication therefore don't use it as a form of endearment. A heart eyes emoji will only get you so far in life (aka nowhere).)
(PPS. so I think it'd be good idea if you laid off the relationships based solely on texting for a while (or forever, whatever floats your boat).)

Thank you for not playing a part in the role of "mean girl" and please mind that your actions, especially your words, determine whether or not someone sees the light of Jesus within you. Don't let your feelings dictate whether or not someone else should know of the glorious gift that Christ freely gives to all people, because the people you dislike need Him just as much as you do. 

Know that you are my favorite person in this whole gigantic world and that even though there are moments that I would love to stick my finger in a light socket rather than goof off with you, they are nothing in comparison to the many thoughts that fly across my brain daily thinking of how to make you laugh or impress you. I look up to your lightheartedness and the simple ways you make people feel special and important and worthy of your time. 

Just because other people aren't like you doesn't mean you should stop being yourself. God made you uniquely. He has given you a purpose. And even though you aren't sure of what it is now, one day He'll show you. And you'll be in awe of how cool it is. 

Thank you for being great at directions, I don't know if I'd be able to get anywhere without your mapping skills and you're a great car companion despite the fact that you won't open the windows when you fart. And thanks for not making too much fun of me when I forget that the break pedal isn't the gas pedal and that right turn means right turn and not left. 

I look forward to spending the rest of my life with a best friend like you by my side and I'm excited to get the opportunity to spoil your future children and vacation together and see all of the wonderful things that The Lord has in store for your life. 

You're a really swell person.

Sincerely, Lex
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