This post was originally written as a guest post for Sealed for Redemption. I love that blog. If you have a teenage daughter, you should check it out and share it with her. It’s simply beautiful.
I had a few requests to share the post on Upside Down Homeschooling too, so here it is! Enjoy!
Dear 17 year old me,
Slow down! You are trying to grow up much too quickly. You have the rest of your life to be an adult and trust me many of those days, you will wish you weren’t an adult, so don’t try so hard to be one now.
These carefree days are numbered. The issues that seem so huge at this moment are really small hills in this road called life. Keep your perspective in check.
That boy you think you’re madly in love with, he will break your heart, and when he does, that other guy you run to turns out to be an abusive husband. Guard yourself. You have no idea what true love is yet.
God has the most awesome guy in store for you. He is your soul-mate and he was made just for you. Save yourself for him. It will be worth the wait. Sex only leads to broken hearts and broken self-esteem.
Just an FYI, that new outfit you just bought, the shirt that shows off your lack of cleavage and the skirt so short you can’t even cross your legs isn’t cute. At all. It’s embarrassing. Respect yourself. You will have little girls one day. Don’t be ashamed for them to see photos of you when you were a teenager. Everything you do now will be an example for your future children. Think of them first.
Respect your parents. They are the only people who will always be there for you. There will come a time very soon when you will need them for more than just money and a roof over your head. Spend time with your grandparents. You will miss them more than you know when they are gone.
Hang out with your little brother. I know he’s annoying, but he needs you. You are one of the greatest influences in his life. He may not say it, but he loves you and you love him. He knows your past and will share your future. Nurture that relationship.
When you get to college, don’t change your major a dozen times. You will end up being a nurse, which is what you always wanted to be in the first place.
Find a church that is meaningful to you. Not all churches are boring and full of politics. Find God NOW. You will soon realize you can’t live without Him. He will save you and change your life in ways you can’t imagine.
Leave the alcohol and drugs alone. The so-called good times you have while intoxicated aren’t worth the loss of brain cells. You’re too smart to waste your life.
You will get your heart broken many times. You will find true love and marry your best friend. You will birth two beautiful little girls who will steal your heart. You will release two angel babies into the arms of God before you hold them in your arms. You will find God. You will find your dream job. You will break hearts of those close to you. You will make your home in a different state. You will experience deep joy and extreme sorrow, but through it all, you will make it.
Life is hard, but it’s beautiful. Cherish relationships, respect yourself, and trust God. It’s worth the ride.
Love,
The 29 year old you.
