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{Inspired by a question I received from a reader: What's one thing you'd like to tell your younger self?}
It's a bit of a cliche thing to say that you will experience many changes in your life. But I'm going to say it anyway because looking back now, you really did. You will experience hurt...happiness...pain...healing...but most of all, something I know you always will discover, is a deeper meaning of God's love for you. It's unfathomable and unending. And you will continue to learn about it with each coming day, week, month, and year in your life.
You will discover the sting of betrayal...the stab of guilt...the crushing feeling of being used...but through each of these, there awaits a greater joy. A light at the end of that dark tunnel.
Don't ever give up hope. Don't ever think that you're alone - because you really aren't. No matter how much it seems like it. God is always walking beside you. And through the hardest times, He is holding you. He's only a breath away. If you feel that He's further than that, it's because you have things cluttering your life that shouldn't be there. You will always have a hole in your life that only God can fill. You will learn this by and by, but don't worry. He won't be angry at you for not realizing it right away. He is a patient and loving God. He is an oh so gentle and caring Father.
He will bring people across your path to help you in your journey.
Two people who have always been - and will always be there for you - are your parents. Don't ever feel like you can't tell them things. Anything that's happening in your life. They truly do care for you. And you will realize just how much you need them.
Your brother is another big, important figure in your life. No matter if he's away from home, remember that you can text or call him at any time. He'll remind you of that too. Outside, while you guys are getting wood for the woodstove, he'll pull you into his arms and you'll cry onto his shoulder telling him how much you miss him. And he'll whisper to you, 'Raquel, I'm never really gone. You know how to get a hold of me quickly. And don't ever think you're interrupting me. Because you are more important.'
Other people God will put in your life are friends. People who claim to be your friends. And then others who are really and truly your friends. You'll meet some incredible people through your blog (mainly, your best friend in Pennsylvania). And you will meet other friends through mutual friends. And you'll form strong bonds with these people. They will encourage you and challenge you and sharpen you. Your character and your whole spiritual walk will be impacted by these people. Don't take them for granted either.
You will want to do great things with your life. You'll get restless by 'just being at home'. But remember that God uses every single moment in our lives for a reason. He is teaching us something through it. He has a plan through it all.
This letter really could go on. There's so much I wish I could warn you about. So much I wish I could tell you to not do. But more than those times, I wish I could tell you about all the moments you will be struck down in awe at the beauty and love and forgiveness of your Creator. Just writing that sentence right now makes me realize something, though. Those moments aren't recordable. They're something that you'll just have to keep in your heart. I know you'll know what I'm talking about when they happen to you. And I know you'll know what I mean by not being able to put into words those moments.
Treasure life, Raquel. Every moment is a gift from God. Live in those moments. Spend time with your family. Organize your priorities. Stand for what you believe. Know when to say 'no'. Make time to spend with Jesus. Offer to do things for others. Write. Sing. Dance. Glorify God. Look around to find others you can bless. And love on those people. Pour your whole self into loving others. Even if you get hurt by doing so, remember that Christ never let pain stop Him from loving you.
Signed,
Me
