Why Jesus Thought I Needed a Built-In Best Friend

 

 

Some love stories are written over generations—threaded through lullabies, garden walks, Sunday mornings, and whispered prayers. "Always With Me: Love That Lives On" is where I honor the hearts who've shaped mine, and the bonds that continue to bloom, even as seasons change. 

This piece is about one of those bonds in the making. A holy, hilarious, heart-melting friendship that Jesus knew I'd need. A story of me and my daughter—my built-in best friend, straight from heaven. 

I have a theory. It's not officially in scripture, but I like to think Jesus made an executive decision when He looked at my life and said, "Yeah... she's going to need a built-in best friend for this one." And then—BAM! There she was. My daughter. My tiny co-pilot, snack-sharing soulmate, future coffee buddy, and already the sassiest little sidekick, a mama could ask for. 

Let's be real: motherhood is a wild ride. Beautiful, yes. Sacred, for sure. But it also includes blowouts at 2 a.m., emotional spirals because someone dropped their pacifier (again), and moments where you question if peanut butter on a spoon counts as dinner. (Spoiler: it totally does.) Somewhere in all that mess and magic, Jesus gave me this little strawberry-blonde miracle, not just to raise, but to grow with. A forever friend, straight from heaven's own heart. 

See, Jesus knew I needed someone who would look at me with those wide, innocent eyes like I hung the moon—even when I'm in a crusty sweatshirt covered in spit-up. He knew I need someone to remind me that joy can be found in the smallest things: a belly laugh, a new noise, a butterfly landing nearby. He knew I'd need someone who'd keep me grounded, while lifting me higher than I ever thought I could go. Who else but my daughter could do all that? 

There's something soul-deep about raising your best friend. She doesn't know it yet, but we're already forming inside jokes. I tell her stories, she responds with coos and wiggles, and I'm convinced she's giving me her opinion on my blog posts (she's a tough critic). One day, we'll trade secrets and clothes. Right now, it's giggles and snuggles—and as her mama, I wouldn't trade them for the world. 

God, in His wisdom, knew I'd need someone to see the real me. Not just the mama, but the woman who sometimes doubts herself, sometimes cries in the shower, sometimes eats cookies in the closet for "privacy." He sent me someone who loves me unconditionally, even when I haven't brushed my hair in three days. Jesus knew I'd need the kind of love that's both gentle and fierce. So He wrapped it up in a baby blanket and handed me my best friend. 

Maybe one day she'll read this and roll her eyes (especially in her teen years.) But my prayer is that she'll also feel the truth tucked between the lines: You were never just my daughter, Ariella. You were, and always will be, my God-sent, built-in best friend. A gift I never deserved, but one I cherish every single day. 

So, here's so snack sharing, story reading, cuddle stealing, and growing side by side. Jesus knew what He was doing. He always does.