LEARNING DAILY

 

1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except such as common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you will be able to bear it.

 

I have heard a song played which the artist, MercyMe is talking to his “younger self”. In the song he sings, “Dear younger me where do I start? If I could tell you everything I have learned so far then you could be one step ahead of all the painful memories still running through my head. I wonder how much different things would be, younger me.”

 

As I listened to the song, I began to wonder what I would write to a “younger me”. What would you write? Today’s blog may be more for me and I probably won’t explain too much. Take a few minutes to consider your thoughts to your “younger me”.

 

There is no particular order to the following thoughts. I might write:

 

Change is not a bad thing; it happens for different reasons. You need to get out of your comfort zone, even when it might be difficult or painful. You have a great journey ahead.

 

Life is good even when difficulty and challenges come. Those times get better.

 

Continue exercising and training; it is not easy to get started again once you stop.

 

You are not the only person experiencing whatever you are experiencing. Don’t be afraid to talk to close friends about your situation. Their advice may help you through difficult times. Besides, that is why they are close friends.

 

God made you the way you are. He knows everything about what you do, say, think. He does not make mistakes! And, because God made you the way you are, you don’t need to copy anyone else; be who God made you to be. It is a waste of time trying to figure out what the model or ideal person is.

 

When you find that special person to spend your life with, be open and honest with her/him and do all you can to make that relationship strong, constantly making it better so the wonder never stops.

 

Don’t be gullible! Follow the old saying of trust but verify. Deceitfulness is a constant danger in the world and wants to drag you into living a life God does not want you to live.

 

Read/study God’s Word daily. Pray daily – write out your prayer if discipline is needed. God’s Word will never fail and will keep you from being deceived. God’s Word is fascinating and helps us to know Him, trust Him, and stay faithful to Him. You can never pray too much or too often.

 

You will never waste a moment of your time by getting to know the Lord better and trying to live the way He desires you to live – walking a narrow way into eternal life in His kingdom. Living your life in order to know Him better will cause you only to miss out on sinful living. Make this a daily choice, a daily practice.

 

Do everything you can to avoid complacency! Be curious and try new things. Learn as much as possible.

 

Forgive! Forgive! Forgive! Nothing is gained by holding grudges or dwelling on how others have treated you! That includes forgetting yourself!

 

Be grateful for what you have. Bless others with what you have been given!

 

I did have some difficulty getting started. But once again, once started I went too long. There is no doubt much more could be spoken to the “younger me”! I will reflect on other thoughts in my quiet time. What about you? What would you write to “your younger you”?