So I started thinking, "what would I say to my 17 year old self?" I have to reflect now on who that young woman was. A senior in high school, since my late May birthday had me turning 18 right before graduation. New to the world of dating and the psychodrama of high school relationships. I can see now, through the prism of 30+ years, that I was struggling with a sense of identity and purpose and like many kids in that state I was making so many foolish choices. I have such compassion for that girl...
Dear ____,
Would you believe me if I told you now that one day you'd meet a man who would love you so completely you could trust him with your heart? If you believed me, you could abandon the foolishness of parties and drugs and losers. You would not give yourself away. You would not settle for so much less than you could have. Perhaps you would trust yourself a little more.
What advice do I have for you? Focus on gratitude. Tell people you love that you love them. Laugh at yourself. Spend time with friends who make you laugh. Give things away. Give your time and talents away. Listen to old people. Cry with those who are suffering. Play with children. Look people in the eye. Don't be afraid. Trust yourself.
And most importantly, don't settle for less than you deserve. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. You deserve to feel valued. Be okay with being alone. Waiting can be good. Patience really is a virtue.
And, there is a God. He really does love you and He wants to be known to you. Give Him a chance.
I wish I could have been there to tell you these things. I wish someone had told you. Because now it seems too late.
Don't lose hope, though. Always cling to hope. Love always hopes, it always trusts, it always protects, and it never fails.
