Dear Me

You will not like what I’m going to tell you, but you should know these things and understand the man you’ll become. You will make the wise choice to marry your college sweetheart and another fateful choice to surrender into federal custody. You’d do it again too. It saved you and your family. And what’s more, your wife will be proud of the man she married. You will wear the label of a felon with pride. Know this: the decisions you make will have a ripple effect far beyond your lifetime. Be a wise man, won’t you?

You are fallible and will come to know how imperfect you really are. You will make many mistakes and I wish I could save you from the terrible pain and anguish that will visit you, but in truth know this: “Do not seek to avoid any of it!” These are the moments that will define the kind of man you will become, and it is this man whom your bride adores more than her own life. Please never betray this love and the trust she has in you.

I certainly wish I could spare you the pain and anguish that you cause others because it is these moments that will haunt your memory. As with most things, it cannot be avoided if you are to become the man your wife wants to spend her life with. You must take responsibility for these choices, make amends when you can, learn from the tragedy, and move on with life.

Do not shun your gift of prophecy that you tend to despise, but simply accept the insight the good Lord shares through you and with you; neither celebrate this gift either, but only accept the responsibility with grace and peace in your soul. It seems to help other people in the most unexpected ways and unusual places and in unpredictable times. You must learn to live with God’s timing; after all, I know you are a man after God’s heart.

Some people will become your friends and try to help you, but some will turn against you and try to hinder your plans. You must fill your heart with ample amounts of forgiveness. You will learn to forgive often and repeatedly, and with time you will learn that bitterness and revenge are dangerous to live with, and contrary to the will of God. Give no weight to the wrongs that others do to you; they are confused and new to life, just like you! This understanding will make forgiveness easier and a regular part of the peace you will come to know.

You have always been fond of saying, “In two thousand years, nobody will remember anything about you.” You’ll come to appreciate this truth over the years. It is better to be kind, generous, and give back more than you take- these are the ripples.

Don’t forget to recognize the blessing that is in your life. You are successful and resourceful and very creative. Always use these skills to glorify God’s kingdom with good and trustworthy stewardship. You already know God requires much of you, and he will test you. It will be unpleasant and worth every minute! You will become a mature and faithful follower of the one true God. Would you pay any price to find this pot of Gold? I already know your answer is yes. I’ve seen you do it. Oh, you will struggle to become worthy of God and the ones you love are always worth any price, and you will never shy away from this responsibility. If you will be proud, then be proud of this.

Finally, those red letters you cherish so much, well so does your bride! Keep the red letters alive.

Love,

Me