Sunday, 20 January 2008

If you could write a letter to your past self (say, 10 years ago), what would you tell yourself?

Excellent topic. I'll write on this one. This is written to a twelve-year-old boy in the sixth grade, just before he gets his braces. He's socially awkward as can be, pretty chubby, and he likes piano. He goes to church, but... his relationship with Christ hasn't blossomed yet.

Tyler,

It's hard to know ourselves, especially at age 12. You never can tell just exactly what kind of experiences you'll have. You never know who you'll meet or how they will influence you. And you can't know how that may change you. You don't understand it now, but you will, once you're my age. Once you're me.

An engineer. You see yourself turning into an engineer like Dad. Working in an office? Maybe not a Dilbert, but a Dilbert-like environment? Trust me, that isn't your passion. Don't follow the money trail. Too many people do that, and they end up unhappy. The money won't bring you happiness or joy. Do what matters to you. There's a calling for you, and I'm pretty sure it's music. Maybe it's teaching, maybe something else. I think you'll love it. Trust me.

But don't lose your head. Love music, love piano, love to sing, by all means! It's great stuff. But always remember where your gifts come from. They come from your Creator, from God. A God who loves you. A God who restored you. A God who can change you. Let yourself be reminded of that. Remember that your abilities to make music come from that great God. Seek to be like Him. That's so much greater than becoming a musician. That's where your true first calling lies. Be like Christ. Be like that God that has restored you. Him first. Always.

This may not make sense right now. That's okay. Take your time growing up. You shouldn't have to grow up overnight. It happens fast enough. I've seen life experiences that you haven't. I've learned lessons that you won't learn or understand for years. I don't understand all of them myself. You're in sixth grade back at Foster Elementary School, on the brink of entering junior high. I'm in college, student teaching, just about done and about to graduate with a bachelor in music. I've taught students now that are your age. It's pretty cool.

Just remember: follow what you're called to do, but more importantly, follow Christ. Your relationship with Christ will blossom with time, but run after Him. Desire Him. Love Him with everything you have. Put that first. Give everything that you're doing to Him and for His purposes. Let Him use them.

Patience, Tyler. You'll be me in ten years. It doesn't seem like long, but it will come fast enough.
~Your future self, age 22

Writing to myself. Wow, that's quite an experiment. It does make me realize what's important and gives a certain dose of perspective. What would my 32-year-old self tell me?