Dear Jamal,
This letter may catch you off-guard because you don’t know me (yet). But you’ll thank me later.
Listen, you’re a smart guy, but I want to give you some advice that will save you A LOT of time and energy.
In the next few years, romantic involvement will distract you and distort your thoughts on who God really made you to be. Although, you think you know everything because you’ve reached a certain age, you don’t. Stay close to God. You’re opportunities and potential are far beyond everything you can imagine.
I can’t stress this enough but…seek growth! You’re going to experience some things (good and bad) that are going to mold your future. Soak up the lessons. Don’t let the days fly-by without thought of His goodness.
Speaking of “bad things”…you’re going to get hurt. People that you least expect to hurt you, will hurt you to the core. It’s gonna be painful. Your pride is going to tell you “You’re a man. Don’t cry. Be strong. Don’t tell anyone because you’ll look weak.”
Don’t believe the lies. Real men do cry. Real men admit their weakness. Real men admit their pain. Real men look to Him for strength 24-7. The silence, anger, indifference, frustration, and suppression of emotions will eat at you. You will develop a ‘hard heart’ towards others, keep people at bay, and begin to see everyone as an acquaintance. Don’t let this happen! There will be long-term repercussions for everything you do, every thought you have, and every word you say. These will affect you in ways that you won’t always be aware of so…Operate in love! No excuses.
With that in mind, my hope is that you take this message to heart and remember Proverbs 1:7!
I love you man,
The 31 year-old Jamal
p.s. In a few years, you’re gonna have the chance of a lifetime to, literally, go around-the-world and tell people about how good God has been to you. At the tender age of 21, you don’t realize how good He’s been to you yet, but you will, don’t worry.
Remember…Keep growing!
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How much do you love the younger you? Do you love him/her enough to give feedback on their path…yes? No? Maybe?
Tell me, what would your love letter say? What advice would you impart to your 21 year-old self?
It doesn’t have to be long. Just start writing in the comments.
