Dear 16-Year Old Me

Dear Jenn at 16,

Why this is your 39 year old self writing you—hopefully this makes it back in time.  I am hoping you will read this and take it to heart.  I have so much I want to say to my 16 year old self—but I know there is only so much I can say without changing who I’ve become—so I’m going to be careful and not give too much away.

First—I have to tell you that life will treat you fair.  You will be blessed in many ways and you will also have to face some hardships.  There is nothing that comes your way that you will not be able to handle.  Remember who your Lord and Savior is—remember He is your refuge and your strength and remember He is the source of your Joy. With this in perspective, keep smiling, keep loving, and keep taking things one day at a time.  Know that there is a Master Plan—and you are part of it.  When times seem really, really tough, remember you are where you are meant to be at that moment in time—and what ever it is you are worried about or preoccupied with will soon come to pass. Learn from every opportunity—especially the heart aches and the hardships. Take the time to thank Him for each blessing you have—give Him the honor and the glory—even when you do not feel like it.  He will honor that in your life.

Cherish those who are in your life.  I know that letting go has never been something you’ve been very good at—especially up to the age of 16—but know that sometimes people are not meant to be in your life to stay.  Many people in your life will come and go—some will stay until the end and others will stay only for a season.  Some seasons will seem unreasonably short—while others will last until your end days. The point is— there is a reason someone was put in your life and a reason they left.  We only have so much time to cherish those around us, whether they are in it for the long haul or the short duration does NOT matter.  What matters is that you have the power to make a difference, with each word, gesture, action, or inaction.  It all counts.  You may be the one meant to plant the seeds to the fruit you will never see ripen, but your small role does matter.  It is your choice.  You have the power to make this experience of life just a bit sweeter with each encounter, more so than it was a moment ago.  Moments add up to memories in the long run, so make some good ones.

Most importantly, you have a number of things going for you—that will take you in the right directions.  Your strong work ethic, your desire to learn, your passion for people and your go-get-em attitude.  These are qualities that will be in your favor as you travel life’s road.  You’ll have to wait to see what they bring your way—but I promise you that looking back you’ll smile and maybe even laugh a little. You also have some things working against you—and you need to be careful.  Always keep in check your stubbornness, your temper, and be always mindful of others’ feelings.  Its okay to forgive and move on when needed—you don’t have to feel bad when you know it is right to walk away, but don’t leave things unsettled.

The most important thing to remember is that life is not about where you end up or when it reaches its final breath.  It is always going to be about the journey.  What will you do starting today to make that journey one to remember?  How will you make this the best journey you can possibly make it?  You realize the ball is in your court and it has been tipped in your direction—so time to play the game.  You have a lifetime full of blessings awaiting you—so go live your life!

Love,

Jenn at 39.