What Would I Tell My Younger Self

On my walk this morning, I was reflecting a bit on my life. I guess that’s what you do when you think about another approaching birthday. I had to chuckle at how I seemed to know so much when I was younger! God has done some deep and lasting work in the ups and downs of my life. What would I tell my younger self?

Be content. It’s so easy to wish away our lives on the things we hope will happen. When single, I spent a lot of time wishing I was married and had kids. It was tough waiting while others received what I wanted. God taught me the value in waiting as He transformed my character in so many ways! Paul in Philippians 4:12 said he learned the secret of being content in every situation. I think contentment in this life is a battle, but a daily opportunity to rest in Christ and trust Him for our lives. 

Be your true self. We can forge forward in this world trying to be someone we’re not. Ask God to help you be your true self. It’s not always easy, but God can help you thrive in being fully you!

Don’t run from pain. We try to avoid pain at all costs, but eventually pain will come. It’s what you do with that pain that matters. Take it to Jesus. Tell Him how you feel. Walk with Him through your trial. Have a trusted group of friends that you can share with. Don’t go it alone. Here’s a good practice during trials “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

God doesn’t make mistakes. I had a bit of a hard start to life being in an orphanage, before being adopted. Yet, over the years God has sealed in my heart that He was constantly with me back then and EVERY moment of my life. He had a specific plan for my life even despite it appearing to be a ‘mistake.’ “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

Get your approval from God. It doesn’t take long in life to realize that not everyone will like you. Why do we want everyone to like us? How realistic is this? How has seeking the approval of others hindered you from being who God has called you to be? I have a simple aim in life to love God and love people. Some may not like me and that’s OK. I want God’s approval most. “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galations 1:10)

Do what you were created for. It’s easy to get stuck in a job or a way of life, simply because it’s safe. The alternative of doing something different is too big and audaciously scary for you. Do it! Get out of your comfort zone! I love doing what I was created to do!

Be curious. Try new things. Ask questions. Learn from others. Listen more than talk. I always want to be a learner. Currently, I’m studying Spanish online and it’s great. I’m reading books that are out my normal genre. I’m learning from people different than me.

Mind your mind. We can so easily get stuck in ruminating on how others have hurt you or how things came down wrong in your life. Choose to forgive. It will get you out of your own prison! Notice what you think about and ask God to help you mind your mind. Feel your feelings but be able to move on. God will help you in this.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.