The first letter I wrote to my future self was an assignment in sixth grade. Our teacher had us write letters to ourselves at the age of 21 – not to be opened until then – when we had by legal definition reached full adulthood. We offered our older selves wisdom and wrote of our dreams for ourselves. I still have that letter, somewhere, lost in my large bin of sentimental items from my past.
The second letter I wrote to my future self was in Costa Rica during a final debrief the fourth month of the race. My squad leader asked all of us to write a letter of encouragement to our future selves in month eight of the race, to write what words we thought we would need to hear at that time. When I opened that letter up at month eight final debrief, I laughed and was encouraged by my own God infused words and wisdom.
The third letter I wrote to my future self was during month nine. For team-time one day, Amanda asked us each to write a letter of encouragement to ourselves post race…and on the other side of the letter the team wrote encouragements for each person. She said she would mail these letters to us once we returned home. I received mine yesterday, (“Eeep! I love snail mail!”).
And while reading my letter to myself, I was greatly encouraged, and reminded how far God brought me and all the work He did in me in these past 11 months. I was also greatly encouraged by my teammate’s unique ways of loving and encouraging me well…And I realized something very important.
Post race, I have been extracted from the people and community that I had come to depend on so strongly during my life on the race. I’ve had a hard time getting off the struggle bus without them. We daily spoke life, truth, and love into each other’s lives. We lifted each other up, we called one another to greatness. We brought each other closer to God. Honestly, it’s been rough not having these beautiful people be a part of every aspect of my daily life like they were. Some days I feel lost without them.
And then as I read my own letter to myself, I had an epiphany! Although I benefit greatly from the fellowship of believers, when I find myself without them in the physical present sense…God has equipped me with the same truths that He speaks into me through them as His holy vessels. I can speak life, truth, and love over myself by the grace of God living in me. You can too!
Look in the mirror, tell yourself who you are…
You are a daughter/son of the King of Kings, and you are loved beyond measure. You are worthy of wonderful things. You are more than what you do; you are beloved, just as you are. You can do anything through Christ who strengthens you!
… And then go live out the best day of your life!
*But in case you need a little extra encouragement today, soak up some love and wisdom through the letter I wrote to myself three months ago.*
Dear Lex,
You’ve finished the race! It probably feels bittersweet to you, knowing that you’re walking out of a beautiful chapter in your life and into a new and unknown adventure. Treasure it. Grieve. Move on. Like the elephants.
Don’t be anxious. Don’t be afraid. It’s okay to feel all that you do, just make sure to separate the truths from the lies… You’ve been transformed into a new woman these past 11 months, grown into more of the individual God designed you to be. “PRAISE HIM, (spoken in a sugary southern drawl)!”
Just like in this journey, God brought you to it and He’ll bring you through it. The same rule applies here as you return home. You know who you are, remember. You carry confidence in your walk, a light in your eyes, and a love in your spirit. Believe it! You are clothed in strength and dignity, and you can laugh without fear of the future. “Greater is He who lives in you, than he who lives in the world.”
Walk in a spirit of power, love, discipline, and self-control. Everything will sort itself out, (Romans 8:28). TRUST int eh One who created you, and NEVER stop hoping and loving. You are beautiful and far more precious than rubies!
XOXOX, I love you to the moon and back! – Me
*On the flip side of my letter, notes of encouragement from my teammates.
