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“My daughter told me I need to get a life,” my friend said, and we laughed because her daughter is in sixth grade. Like many kids her age, she is pulling away from her family

I have a confession: If I had to choose one audience to write for – adults or teenagers – I would choose teenagers. Why? Because they’re easier to influence

The art they created was unique, and when I told the teacher how innovative her work was – and how my brain didn’t think that way And as I admired the striking combination of black sand and clear blue water, I marveled at God’s ingenuity in repurposing ashes of mass destruction into another unique form of art. And if I’m learning anything regarding the art of life, it’s to not live in fear of the mess. Our weakest moments are God’s opportunity to do His best work, and just as God had an amazing vision for Santorini, He has an amazing vision for each one of us.

Until we admit this, until we realize how feeling inferior (or superior) to another girl doesn’t mean she needs to change, but rather we may have a heart issue that needs addressing, we’ll never have the relationships that allow us to genuinely cheer for other females and see ourselves on the same team. You may notice signs on a playground when boys try to one-up each other to prove athletic dominance while girls gossip or make comments about other girls to make themselves look or feel better in comparison. We can refuse to be blind to the good in others and not make snap assumptions like thinking someone’s exterior package looks too shiny – or not shiny enough. The world won’t teach this mentality, so it’s up to us, as moms and adults, to train our daughters to admire and appreciate each other’s gifts and blessings.