Another year older for my Miss Bethany.  I can’t say that this adventure in teenage years has been without typical teenage girl issues…emotional extremes, the occasional back-talk, etc.  But she has also grown in maturity and responsibility.  While once I had to almost look over her shoulder to make sure her school, chores, and other tasks were getting done, I am now confident in her ability to (mostly) manage her daily responsibilities with diligence and an ever-improving work ethic.

It has become more and more apparent, especially this past year, that Bethany is capable of great dedication and perseverance when given a task that matters to her.  She has taken over ownership and care of our chickens this past year, and she has been diligent and motivated and thorough in her care for them.  Likewise, when given any cooking or baking responsibility, she takes it on with enthusiasm and aplomb.  My girl, who once had trouble seeing any task through to completion, will take on ambitious baking, or chocolate making, or even dinner preparation endeavors, and happily work at them with focus and cheerfulness.

In family Bible study times, I see also how firmly the Word of God had been planted in her heart.  She knows and applies scripture thoroughly and confidently.  More than just knowing the words, she   has meditated on them and understood them to an extent that, at times, surprises even me.

I am thankful to see God working in Bethany’s heart and in her work ethic and in her character.  I love the young lady she is and the strong woman of God she is becoming.  It is a joy and privilege to be her mom, and to take a moment to remind myself of the gift she has been these fifteen years.