Well, Big-Little Reveal has come and gone. The laughter has subsided, the decorations have been stored for next year, and the tulle has been thrown away. (The glitter is still clinging to me, though.) Memories have been made, and there are plenty of pictures to prove it!

You're now my Little, and even better than that -- you're my FIRST Little ever! My heart could not be more full of joy. I spent weeks crafting, buying goodies, and worrying for you. I could not wait to see the look on your face when the curtain finally lifted, and you were a part of my family line. Keeping this secret from you was so hard for me, but it was all so worth it when I saw the happiness it brought you.

More importantly, though, before the glitter, or the canvas painting -- before the worries of who you might be or how we might get along, before all the crafting and business that big-little reveal brings, I was praying for you. Before welcome week commenced and classes began in full swing, I prayed for whoever my Little might be.

I asked God to protect you and guide you into college life. I wanted you to feel loved, even if you didn't know about it in that exact moment. I prayed He would give you the encouragement you needed to conquer your day. I hoped you would find peace in His presence and joy in His blessings.

I also asked Him to ease your mind and not let the struggles of school or work or whatever you were handling at the time rush your thoughts.

As your Big, I pray to guide you as a college woman, strong in God's Word and steady in your walk with Him. I hope you will go off to do great things on this campus, being a light for Christ.

My prayer is that you come to me as a shoulder to cry on when the weight of the world becomes too much or when you just really need to sit at Sonic with some much-needed ice cream after the most horrific week your little self could handle.

I also want you to know that I look up to you just as much as I hope you look up to me! We may not know everything about one another, but that is what makes our relationship so unique. In the short time, we've already spent together, you've surprised with your charisma and love for others. Your willingness to show others Christs' love is something I find so amazing in you! You challenge me to be a better example as your Big and as you sister in Christ. I hope to show you what our sisterhood is all about and how you can make it better with each passing day.

So, as your Big, I hope and pray for all of the amazing memories to come with you this year. I'm so blessed to share them with you, and even more than that -- I'm beyond grateful to call you my Little.