Dear "old" Me

Yesterday as I was driving I heard something on the radio station WayFM about writing a letter to your old self.  If you could write a letter to yourself and send it back to when you were just out of school, what would it say?  What would you tell yourself?  What might you suggest you do differently?  What things would you leave in place for learning experiences?  What would you change to make your life easier...your relationships stronger...your faith less breakable?

Interesting...

Dear Amy,

I wanted you to know some things about your life that might help you live a little easier than you have over the past 12 years.  First of all...be true to yourself.  Don't try to conform to be what others want you to be.  Don't try so hard to make people like you.  The truth is, they'll like you for who you are or they won't like you at all.   You'll try so hard to become what they want you to be...you'll fail...they'll betray you...so just be you. 

Secondly, true love comes from God.  It isn't about the butterflies for very long.  Cherish the butterflies all the while knowing that the real love will come in a moment when the the threat of losing that person sneaks into your life without a moments notice.  Make your relationship solid on the foundation of Christ so that when you are separated by death...you'll know that you'll be together again someday.  Nothing is more important than knowing you are both on the same page as far as where you'll be spending your eternal life.

Thirdly, love unconditionally.  Love your husband, your kids, your family and friends unconditionally.  Don't hold grudges.  They'll make mistakes....and you'll make mistakes...but love them as God loves you and you'll always be fine.  God loves and God forgives...you need to do the very same things.

Fourth, be compassionate and understanding to those who are in need.  You cannot save the world, but just by doing a little, you are helping in ways you'll never understand.  It doesn't take much...just do good for those who are in need.  The rewards are indescribable.  Start sooner with this process. 

Fifth, stay out of other people's business.  Don't convince yourself you are doing the right thing when deep down you know you aren't.  The only thing you can do for people who are having problems is pray for them and let your actions reflect how Christ is helping you in your life.  You cannot save friendships...marriages...homes...sick children.  Let Go and Let God handle all the problems of the world.  Basically...Mind Your Business and Pray.

Finally, hold onto the moment when you accepted Christ into your life.  Be public with your feelings for the Lord.  Be true...Be consistent...Be loving and open with others about how Christ has helped you in your life.  Don't hide it.  Don't be ashamed of it.  Live it.  Love it.  Be it.  Be the Christian you want to be and don't let the world tell you differently.  Be an example of His love at all times...not just on Sundays.  Be an extension of His body to everyone...not just the people you deem worthy.  Always let your actions be the same as your words and you won't have to live with guilt.  Don't be a hypocrite and...

Throw a baseball every once in awhile because you'll have three boys.  They'll make fun of you if you can't throw the ball.  You don't have to be a superstar...but it wouldn't kill you to learn the sport.  Good luck.

Love,
32 year old Amy...Mom of three boys...wife of Coach...journey traveling Christian

P.S.~ You'll Always be a Princess...Dad says so.