A Christmas Letter To Myself

Writing is one of the most authentic forms of communication there ever was. Your words on paper can quite literally last eternity.

Call me an old soul, but I romanticize about and long for the days when letters were the best method of communication. Whether it be to a family member across the country, from the battlefields of war, or a letter to your special someone from a different town.

A box filled with old letters is a literal time capsile. The feelings, the thoughts, the ways of the day are felt and if you close your eyes tightly, can even be heard.

The letter written below is one written to myself back to the future style. If you could write a letter to yourself (past, present, or future) what would you say? How would you encourage yourself in that season?

Maybe, just maybe, you should give it a try!

Dearest Lora,

You are 14 years old - your favorite number and the year you believed would be your best yet. This year you are in the ninth grade and will soon be gearing up for your next great adventure: college!

Yes- you are quirky and goofy and oh so loveable. You are so joyful and positive that to some it can be quite the put-off. But do not for a second stop being this person, for one day you'll learn that this Joy is precious, a gift from God, and is yours to freely accept and give away daily as you choose.

You don't know it yet, but your positivity and ability to find a silver lining in nearly anything will serve you well in some of life's darkest moments that will come.

And that type A being organized stuff- don't ever stop that either. To others it may seem absurd or really annoying, but again it is part of what makes you, well, you! Spoiler- the closet organizer you wished for is already under the Christmas tree.

Your very love of organizing, classifying, cleaning, tiding, the whole works is going to take you places. Those skills are something that cannot be easily taught and you are going to be a hot commodity someday with them in the workplace. Just wait and see.

You are not the boy chasing, weekend dating, romancing type. And that is okay- you know what you want and are going to keep chasing after your goals. But seriously, don't stress... you'll find an amazing husband sooner than you ever thought!

You don't know it yet, but your faith is strong. You have the ability to hear from God. You don't know it's him yet, and it sort of freaks you out and makes you question your sanity. Keep listening to that still small voice- it will lead you and protect you. Until then, keep surprising people with all the things God tells you and shows you.

No- you are not a wizard or special form of human (even if your mom tells you your special). All people can hear from God, if they are still enough and make room for him. Is it eerie- at times. But it is also so freaking cool!

I know you are commiting a lot to dancing right now- but you are beginning a beautiful journey of becoming not only a wonderful dance teacher, but also a really great friend to many women. You are also going to support, encourage, challenge, pray for, and minister to so many dancers.

Although your paths in life are truly unique, God is going to use that to bring so much joy and peace to the world, through you. Trust the process, trust that your experiences will serve you well, and know that all things are possible when you believe.

Love,

Your future self ;)

P.s. your future husband will love cheescake as much as you do, he truly is amazing! Don't worry about a thing.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.