Upheld In Advice To My Future Self

I’ve been asked, “If you could write advice to your younger self, what would you tell that younger you?” But I have never seen writing prompts ask what I would say to my future self. This intrigued me.

The second prompt asked what kinds of things that I’ve done but did not think I could do beforehand. Both seemed to come together for me, particularly during this time of retirement. So—what do I say to my future self? Ok, come listen in.

Inventory Review

Dear Future Me:

Today we face retirement. I have made up a list of things that we have accomplished during our life with ourself. Let’s take some time to look at this short inventory, peruse, contemplate these very good things. Past things.

We can see how God has been faithful in every respect. He saw our family through perilous times and is still doing that.

He made it possible for us to build a house. Remember how surprised the general contractor was when we called him, after 20 years, to say, “I am a voice out of your past. Want to build me a house?” And we did it! A stake in the ground to God’s faithfulness. The ideas for beautiful gardens around it are in process. Aren’t we having fun?

Then came China. Remember how, at midnight when we arrived in Beijing, our suitcase did not come with us? All the signs were in Chinese, of course. How could we make arrangements for our absent belongings as we were scheduled to leave the city the next morning sans said belongings to meet up with the unknown team? (“Happy to meet you. Can we go shopping?”) Panic started to rise, but God stepped in, “Calm yourself. Take deep breaths and think. I am in China, too.” Yessiree, the baggage office turned up.

We published a book all about the faithfulness of God. We are hoping it will still reach many more people. God was faithful there, too, to get us and the book out of a business that failed—and just in time, too!

Going to Ireland was a WOW! We didn’t see that coming, did we? What a wonderful time with family AND the great inspirations learned from Ireland’s history with God. There is much yet to be gleaned from here.

Advice To Future Self

Now that we have reviewed God’s greatness toward us in our lifetime, I have a few things to say to you. Even though I know that I don’t know what you know in the future.

1. Don’t ever let age get you down. Keep the excitement of life alive! Always be on the lookout for new and better adventures.
2. Remember that God is always everywhere and present with you. Never forget that! Let His world continue to awe and inspire your thoughts and actions. Keep writing these insights.
3. Don’t let difficulties that come get in your way. Redesign that website and write those books.
4. Again—DO NOT let age get you down! Stop being afraid of cancer revisiting every time you feel a twinge somewhere. God has already numbered all your days. Live them. If disabilities come, then work with them and through them. NEVER STOP LIVING on God’s earth as long as He gives you breath. He alone is God. Trust Him.

Ok, Future Self, I may have to check up on you at some point down the road with the bends, so I’d better find you living with zest!

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end” Ecclesiastes 3:11.