An Open Letter To My Struggling Middle Schooler

Hey there, my Middle Schooler, it’s okay to struggle. 

I know that this time in your life is full of changes that often feel overwhelming. Your emotions seem much stronger lately and your brain often feels on fire. I know that you are excited about all the amazing things that lie ahead--like school dances, your first phone, using a locker at school, and making new friends. But I also know that it can be scary too.

I want you to know that even the good things you are about to experience can be a struggle and that’s okay.

Sometimes, life doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t seem fair. All of that is normal--especially in middle school. As an adult, I can tell you that I experience that as an adult too, but I have learned that this one moment in time is not forever. So here’s what I want you to remember:

The future is GOOD. The future is in God’s hands and He is FOR YOU. There are great friends to be made! New friends will come into your life for many years ahead and you will experience adventures that will delight and thrill you! You will find what God made you for and you will enjoy living out your purpose in life, because there is only one YOU! The world needs YOU! 

God has a perfect plan for your life. Don’t allow older kids who tease you make you feel less than anyone else or that it’s not worth it to keep going with your precious life. Don’t believe that however hard your life may be right now, that that is how it will always be. Think big! Think long! There is nothing that can stop God’s incredible journey ahead for you! 

Jesus was the best person who ever lived, and people bullied him too. He didn’t let them stop Him from doing good things and living His life full of purpose and joy.

Remember this promise from God:

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (I Peter 5:10, NIV)

If we struggle in this life, but stand firm for what is true, putting our hope in God to make all things right, we will be strong, firm, and steadfast! That’s a lot to look forward to! The Message describes 1 Peter 5:10-11 this way:

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.”

Right now, you are a warrior, in a spiritual battle, where you get to fight for what is good and right. You fight by believing the best, doing what is right and good, and never giving up on hope that God is with you and will help you! You are already victorious because Jesus won all our battles on the cross.

I want you to know that I think you are wonderful. Even when we don’t see eye to eye, I never stop loving you with all my heart. Sometimes I’m a little too hard on you or confused about the choices you make, but that’s not always your fault. I’m learning too. 

No matter what, I am committed to being here for you to listen and help you when you need it. My life is better because you are in it! God blessed my life when He gave you to me. Every day, I get more and more excited as I see the potential in you to become a good and godly teenager and adult. From the top of your head, to the bottom of your feet, you are exactly what I hoped you would be. You don’t have to do anything else to make me more proud of you or love you more. Right now, in this moment, I cherish you!

My middle schooler, thank you. Thank you for bringing me joy and for teaching me to enjoy the world around me more. You remind me to see the world through new eyes. Your courage to face each day and make the most of it inspires me! Thank you for being one of the greatest joys of my life!

I love you.

Today, you may struggle. That’s okay. We will get through it together. It’s the struggle that will make the future even better. Today’s struggles are making you strong. They are making you firm. They are making you steadfast. It is worth it--just you wait and see!

All my love,

Mom/Dad