“Every woman, no matter what her age, who is just barely a step ahead of another woman in her walk with Christ is an ‘older woman’ and has the raw material to help another grow.”
Dana Yeakley
Yesterday I turned 64. There are many things I know now that I wished I knew when I was much younger. An awareness of certain truths at an earlier age, could have spared me from heartache and hurt. If I were to write a letter to my younger self, this is what I would say.
Dear Younger Me,
Be kind to yourself. In the same way you love and affirm others, do so toward yourself. Speak kindly, be gentle, and give yourself grace. Talk to yourself as you would to a close friend. See yourself through the eyes of your heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally and accepts you as you are.
Don’t demand perfection of yourself, but seek to live a holy life. Obedience to God and living within the boundaries of God’s Word are for your benefit. Boundaries don’t take away your freedom, but actually protect it. “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance” (Psalm 16:6).
Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. When you forgive those who have offended you, you release yourself from staying connected to the offender and the offense. Deciding to forgive sets you free from bitterness and having your emotions controlled by the hurt, while the offender is still held accountable by God. Choose the road of humility and ask others to forgive you. Relationships are more important than being right.
Be mindful of your emotional heart, for it lets you know when things aren’t right. Take your emotional pulse periodically and make time to process your hurts and grieve your loss. The act of grieving prepares you for what God has next.
You don’t need to go at life alone. Ask others to help you; they like to feel needed. God created us to live in families, biological and spiritual, because we need each other.
“The only perfect mentor who ever lived was Jesus.”
Carol Kent
Relevant Reflection:
Which of the above truths do you need God to give you a better understanding? Ask Him to give that to you.
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