What I Wish I Knew

For years, writer and comedian Anita Renfroe has been causing laughter in homes across America. In 2008, she was featured once a month on Good Morning America, and her recent concert comedy DVD release, It’s Probably Just My Thyroid, is 78 minutes of pure hilarity. She ends the concert by reading a letter that she wrote to her younger self about all the things she wishes she’d known back then.

“Moisturize your neck for pete’s sake! One day it will occur to you that you could have used a dab more and gone down another seven inches and preserved your ability to wear something other than turtle necks!”
“Stop obsessing about your waistline… unless you’re just looking at it to memorize it… because, it will leave you!”
“Don’t worry about your future husband and children. Turns out, they’re way better than you’re anticipating. It’s the truth!”
“But what I really need to tell you is this, so pay attention! – There are so many great things happening and you’re missing half of them worrying if you are pretty enough, or capable enough, or good enough!”
“Pay attention to the people that God is bringing into your life right now, with so much wisdom and experience, who want to share it with you. Don’t miss that!”
“ ...And by the way, pay extra attention to your Nanaw because this time next year, she won’t be around and you are going to miss her!”

If only we knew then what we know now. Our destinies are never what we expect. More often than not, our lives end up quite different than we dreamed when we were children. Looking back, much of what I thought was important doesn’t even matter today, but the things I took for granted meant more than I knew.
Try writing yourself a letter. What advice would you give yourself? I wrote my very own letter to a younger me:

Rebecca, I know at times you struggle to find your way. You hide the fact that you are lonely. You wonder about your destiny and the purpose God has for you. You ask questions about your future – Will home life ever become peaceful? Will I ever get married? Have a family? Now that I am older, I can see His hand in it all. Remember that God has always and will forever provide for you. "Be strong. Take courage… God is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you. Don't be intimidated. Don't worry." Deuteronomy 31:8 (Message)
When it gets tough at home, and you don’t feel loved, know that things will get better because you put your trust in the Lord. “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3 (NLT)”. He is the giver of peace. “The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. ” Psalm 29:11 (NLT)
I know you feel like time is moving slowly but in just a few years you will meet your husband. He is the man you always dreamed of. Even more than you ever prayed for. He will be your best friend and your days will be filled with laughter. God is still working in him right now, so don’t forget to pray for him...he needs your prayers.
Take a look around! See the friends you have by your side? Don’t take them for granted. They are a diamond in the ruff. They are so rare… roses amidst the world’s thorns. Time brings change, often too quickly. You won’t know how rare they are until you’re no longer by each other’s side.
Be content in all that you have. Enjoy life and learn from the mentors around you. They won’t always be at arms length, so cherish them. Love them. Learn all you can from them. You won’t get that chance until you meet them again in heaven. Make lasting relationships, centered on truth, respect, and compassion. Surround yourself with people who lift you up in encouragement.
Granted, you can’t see the whole picture right now, but be assured that God is moving. Eventually, you will see the puzzle pieces, events of your life, fit together. All has happened for His reasons and although the pieces right now don’t fit, fear not (Romans 8:28)! The whole picture looks more beautiful than you can imagine. Just wait and see (Psalm 27:14)!
Signed by Rebecca Grinder, 2009

Written by Rebecca Grinder