Chats with Myself

I had a chat today with my 80 year old self. There were a few things I wanted to ask her about and hoped that she could give me some clarity on what's happening in my life right now. Here is her advice.

Linda, stop obsessing about your weight and body image. Get out and move. Ride your bike, go cross country skiing and don't worry so much about how you look. Do spend some time (but not too much) on your hair, makeup and wearing clothes that flatter you. You will feel better about yourself and your beauty will shine through. Incidentally, I love your new glasses.

Watch your posture. Stand straight and for heaven's sake, call your physiotherapist to find out why your back hurts so much in the mornings. And finish reading that book you took out of the library, "Pain Free for Women." There is a lot of good stuff in there. Follow through on finding a Yoga class. That did wonders for me. God needs you and you must care for your body so that you can be healthy and strong.

If you have a dream, follow it. I've spent too many years thinking of all the reasons why I couldn't do something that I had a dream about. Do you remember that time in our bedroom, I think we were about 18 years old, when we had a clear thought that we might like to become a pastor? And then the second thought that told us we couldn't? We should have listened to the first thought because you and I both know that it was God's voice. I know we're okay with it all. We've talked to God about it, confessed our fear of risks and all that. He understands. But you know, he is still calling you to ministry. I know because I was 50 thirty years ago. Don't waste these next 30 years thinking you're too old to follow God's calling. Thirty years is a long time to follow something you're passionate about. I can't tell you the journey that he's taking you on right now because you wouldn't enjoy it nearly as much if I told you exactly what was going to happen and there are things you need to learn on your own. I would just say continue on the path of spirituality, of contemplation and leadership. That is where God will speak to you, when you slow down, speak less and listen more.

I'm so glad that we've learned to laugh and I can tell you that you will laugh more and more. God will also lead you into a few "dark night of the soul" times. I'm so glad that we finally figured out by this time that it is not really a bad place for us to be. I'm glad that we realized in our 50s that God works most powerfully when we are at our weakest and it is through our trials and struggles that we grow closer to him, if we let him take us through it.

I'm getting a little tired now Linda. I think I'll have to go take a little nap. I'm glad that we learned years ago that a little afternoon nap is good for the soul and the body. I'd love it if you came to visit with me again and we can talk some more.

The next 30 years will be awesome!