Dear Older Me
It’s been one year since you’ve started blogging, and I hope in another year you continue to grow in your faith and your understanding of biblical principles. In the last year you’ve experienced a great amount of loss and in a year I want you to remember looking back that you’re still standing. You’ve made it through hell and back, and while there is no doubt that this has been a challenging year, just know you’ve already made it through so much. No matter where you are in this life, just remember that you will never truly be alone. I cannot express my concerns for the next year enough, but on this day, I do feel afraid as to what the next step will be, but have faith in the life you’ve got. Tough times will undoubtedly come and in those moments remember back and draw strength from the trials you’ve already faced.
I want you to remember how far you’ve already come. I want you to keep a hold of your faith in the good times and the bad. I want you to remember where you’ve been and where you’re going, and know that in one year, you’re not home yet.
In a year you will undoubtedly have a new job, maybe a new girlfriend, but keep in mind as you have grown in a year, be sure to continue to grow in the Lord. Never fall silent on your growth with Christ. I hope in a year you are able to be encouraged by your failings, that in our failings is where we often grow the most. Be calm in the storm and keep your head high. I hope for you a position of strength in your life. Continue to grow in your financial strength and use what you are given to glorify the Lord. You will stumble and you will fall, but you will always pick yourself up. Look forward at your life, but be mindful of where you are, and what you are doing.
I want you to remember to guard yourself from pain, but allow yourself to feel. Don’t be afraid to let someone in and be a part of your life. Don’t be afraid to take the chances you need to take. You will learn a great deal over the next year from now till then, and I hope in the pain that will come you don’t grow cold. Do not harden your heart if things go badly. Be conscious to continue to save money and be responsible with it. God has led you through this maze of trials and you will have to take some time to evaluate what you’ve learned. Be grateful for the hardships, and the joys you’ve experienced.
I hope for you in a year you have made friends, and family connections. No matter what friends have come and gone, you will be able to make new ones. You will always have the ability to change small parts of your life. Do not be discouraged, and I hope you are happy in your current situation. Be happy in your new home, your new position at work. Be happy where you are in school, and continue to work towards your goals. Keep writing, and keep spreading the Gospels. Be sure to continue your work to get the word of God into as many hands, as many countries as possible. You’ve reached so many lives in one year, just keep driving on and reaching more as you’ve completed two full years.
I hope in one year to be doing well financially working on a new home. I hope for a new job or at least something stable. I hope for a new solid loving relationship. I hope Riley and Cooper are still in wonderful health. Keep staying strong, and keep driving forward. Remember forward always… always forward.
The Arrow Preacher 