So, I recently signed up to blog for Compassion International, a fantastic organization whose goal is to fight child poverty and lead people to Jesus. This month is their annual blog month! (So maybe I'll actually post as much as I should!) I just want to encourage you to consider sponsoring a child. You'll get to write them letters, send them to school, provide them with basic needs as well as maybe a few extras, and know that because of your sacrifice that little boy or girl is being told about Jesus. If you're interested, check out the link in the sidebar or at the bottom of the page, or go to http://www.compassion.com/.
That being said, the first post for the month is a letter to your childhood self. Now, I'm not that old, and in some circles I'm still considered a "child" (regrettably not the circles that include kids' meals and trick-or-treating). However, I've learned a few things in my sixteen years that middle school me really could have used.
1) God keeps his promises. Always. This is a lesson I'm still learning every day. He has a plan for you and He will finish what He has started.
2) His plans are better than yours. If I'm correct, right about this time you have your heart set on being an actress. You'll be told no more than a few times. Don't let it crush you. Don't necessarily abandon your dream, but give it to Him. He knows what to do with your talents and passions and gifts. They won't go to waste.
3) Don't forget the light when you're in the darkness. There are hard, hard times to come, little me, but keep hanging in there. It's only a season. The best is still yet to come, but only if you get there. He is your only hope.
4) Get out of your head sometimes. Yes, there is so much to learn and so much soul-searching to be done, but there are people hurting around you. Don't be too blind to see them.
5) Take risks. Playing it safe will lead to regrets, I promise you. What would you do if you weren't afraid? Now go do it. Unless it involves bugs or needles, then run.
6) You are loved. Greatly, immensely, unconditionally. Jesus paid such a price for you, not because you're good (you're not always going to be good) or because of the great things you'll do (there will be some of those, but failure is sometimes inevitable). He bought you because He loves you. He's so very fond of you. You are precious to Him.
7) Lastly, and certainly not least, enjoy this life you've been given. His mercies are new every morning. Count your blessings. Count it all as blessings, in fact, trials, tests, pain, joy. He uses it all for good. Savor your friendships, your experiences, the little miracles of the moment. You have so much cause for joy. Don't let anyone steal that from you. Your hope is in Heaven, and it's so great a hope that some days you'll just want to burst with it.
There are so many other things I could say. But this is a letter to me. This is a letter to you. This is a letter for anyone who's feeling hopeless, scared, who just needs a little sunshine. Joy comes in the morning, friends. Keep your heads up and your eyes on Him. He's coming soon!
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