“I really like the woman you’ve become,” my husband announced the other day. He’s sweet isn’t he? But he wasn’t just quoting a Hallmark card. You see, my husband and I have known each other since I was 15. When he thinks about the woman I am today he’s measuring it against the young women I was several years ago. And I’m glad he’s come to the conclusion that I’ve turned out okay.
But, he really got me thinking. Because, you know what? I like the woman I’ve become too. I’m certainly not perfect, but I am serving Jesus with my whole heart, I’m more like Him now that I was even a few years ago, I’ve dropped some bad habits and picked up some spiritual disciplines that draw me closer to God’s heart, And I think I can safely (and humbly) say that my ministry efforts are making a difference in the lives of young women.
And you know what got me here? The choices I made when I was 15, 16, 17 etc. Earlier this week, I wrote about the connection between who you are now and who you are going to be in the future. Galatians 6:7 promises us that we will reap what we sow. But Because we can’t see into the future, it can be difficult to make the connection between what we do now and who we will be down the road. As a woman who is slightly more "seasoned" than many of you, let me assure you, there is a connection.
If I could talk to the 15-year-old Erin now, I would offer her a pat on the back. I am married to a Christian man today because I made a commitment to only date Christians as a high school and college student. My life is grounded in God’s Truth because I gave my life to him at the age of 15 and immediately got serious about learning His Word. My work and family lives are fulfilling and peaceful because I trusted God to direct my path. I am relatively fit and healthy because I’ve made healthy choices all along the way. The young women I was before paved the way for the life I have today.
But, what would I tell my future self? What questions would I ask about who she’s become? What do I wish for her to do differently? In what areas do I hope God has shaped her to make her different from me? I imagine, I we would have a great deal to talk about, but are the biggies.
- Read your Bible daily. Right now I am still so hit or miss with my Bible reading, I hope you’re better about that than me.
- How many children do you have? I hope it’s a houseful because being a wife and mother is your most important work.
- How are the drums coming? (I just got a set of drums for my birthday). I hope you are a full-on rocker chick by now.
- What kind of movies are you watching these days? I hope you've learned to make wiser media choices than me. I tend to gravitate toward the wrong stuff in the name of "entertainment." Maybe you are more dilligent about protecting what gets in to your heart and mind.
- Are you still passionately pointing young women toward God’s Truth? I hope so.
What would be on your list? In what areas do you hope your future self is different from you? What choices can you make today, to make sure you get there?
