I replaced my decade-old driver’s license the other day.  Almost shed a tear as I said goodbye to that smiley, youthful photo I’d carted around for so long.

Almost shed another tear when I was handed the new one, complete with a current photo and a dose of reality.  Hey DMV guy – thanks for the reminder that I’m not getting any younger!

But truth be told, the not-getting-any-younger part does come with a few perks I rather enjoy.

Perks like a host of learning experiences and a treasure trove of memories much more vast than those held by the younger me.

With all the experience I’ve gained through the years, there are a few things I wouldn’t mind passing on to my youthful counterpart.

Insights and counsel that I could have used a few decades ago. And truths that would have come in handy if I had only known then what I know now.

If I could just have a few hours with the younger me, I’d help her avoid a few mistakes. 

And I’d tell her that of all her youthful pursuits, the ones most important are those with eternal value.

I’d encourage her to read her Bible through. 

To not only cling to favorite scriptures, but to devour it in its entirety. 

Because to read the Word of God as a whole will change her. She will understand more about who God is and she will learn to hear his voice even clearer.

Don’t wait until life slows down, Young One.  Do it now. 

Because those words you read:

… are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.  (Proverbs 4:22)

I would warn her that busyness is a stealthy thief, quietly stealing moments that could be used to gird up her faith. 

I’d tell her to not let her time with Jesus be stolen by busyness or the cares of this world.

Because the Word of God is the one thing that will sustain her through the trials that are yet to come.

Trials she doesn’t yet know about, but I have already walked through.

And I would remind her that to seek peace with others is to look like Jesus.  This should be a constant undertaking, both within her home and outside of it.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.  (Hebrews 12:14)

And then, we would have a nice long conversation about those years to come.  Those golden years that, in her mind, seem so far away, but will be her reality sooner than she knows. 

In those precious hours, I’d encourage her not to lament those milestone birthdays.

Because with every birthday candle she adds to her cake, she also adds another year of hard-earned wisdom.

Wisdom is a precious and valuable commodity.  And once she has earned it, she would never willfully trade it.

Not even for that youthful face. 

I’d tell her that, even in those aging years, God will still have a divine purpose for her, according to Psalm 92:14 –

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.

And I would remind her of the many heroes of the Bible who earned their spiritual fame well into their later years. 

Like Daniel, who survived the Lion’s Den at 80 years old.  Or Moses, also 80 when he led the Israelites out of Egypt, then wandering the desert until 120 years of age.  Or Sarah, who birthed her son Isaac at 90. 

Even Noah was no youngster when he built the ark at nearly 500 years old, finally boarding it at the ripe old age of 600.

So, dear Younger Me, treasure every season you are graciously given, both your young years and your older ones. 

And thank him for each year, as these are gifts from the open hand of God.

As your years roll by and the wisdom comes, purpose to be a voice of encouragement to the younger ones within your sphere of influence. 

Because God will place others in your path so that you can make a mark on their lives and in their faith. 

Keep your eyes open, seeking what he has for you. Because until the day he calls you home, he desires that you use your days for his glory.

Dear Younger Me, make me proud.  Commit yourself to your faith and to the pursuit of God, so that when I look back on what you have done, I can proclaim the works of God in our life.

But if you miss the mark somehow, it’s okay. In my wisdom I know that God is a gracious, forgiving God who never holds our sins against us.

And I already know the many things I will learn from your mistakes.

One day, you will too.

Love, Your Older Me