Dear me,

Hey. It's you, and I write this message to you from the future. It's the year 2046, and a lot has changed. The world is very different from where you are now, and I write this letter to you in hopes that you will listen to the things that I need to say to you. Please listen to me as I tell you of my greatest regret.

It's been thirty years since I stood where you stand — since I held the ideals you hold and the dreams you dream. I have long since moved past those ways of thinking; I moved on with my life. You see, to put it simply, I gave up. There was so much going on: stress, anxiety, worry. It was just too difficult. I didn't know what to do when it came down to it. I lost my footing, and during the hardship, I told myself I couldn't do it. I told God I couldn't do it. In doing so, I had abandoned everything. My dreams, passions, but most of all, the life and blessings God had in store for me.

He has continued to bless me. I have a beautiful spouse. I have wonderful kids, and we live very well in a nice house and our finances are under control. But I think about the life I could have had every day. I remember the dreams I had and how I could have used my talents to help make this world a better place.

Listen to me, younger me. The world needs you. The world needs you and your talents. The world needs you to take a stand against the darkness, hardship, anxiety, and stress. I know it is difficult now. You may be in for the ride of your life, but you can't abandon those things. Take up your sword and fight for it. Look for it, see it, and hold onto it. Don't ever let it get away like I did.

Go willingly wherever God commands you to go. Take your sword with you, and fight for the kingdom of God. It's not going to be easy -- no one said it would be. In fact, it could be one of the hardest choices you'll have to make. But it'll be worth it — so worth it. Don't you forget that. He has a plan for you, an amazing plan. It's so much more than you can ever imagine. Don't lose sight of it. Pursue Him. Pursue it.

Don't think it impossible — with Him, all things are possible. Stay strong, younger me. Give God control of your dreams and talents. Let Him guide you because you can't guide yourself. He is the ultimate compass that will lead you back to the trail when you've lost your way.

You are still young, me. Your whole life is ahead of you. Don't let go of the people and passions that mean so much to you. God gave them to you for a reason. Utilize the tools He provides for you. Don't give up when it gets too hard. Never give up. Never stop. Don't make the mistakes I did. You've got this. Now, go get 'em, kiddo.

Sincerely, Your Future Self