BY JESSICA LANDMON
Life can be pretty scary sometimes. Change is scary. Transition is scary. The unknown is scary. Not being able to control everything is scary. Not knowing what is ahead is scary. You get the idea. But, life with Jesus by your side doesn’t have to be.
Just about a month ago, I sat in church where I had the opportunity to hear Dependent Daughter’s Shalyn Willis, now eighteen, share a letter she wrote to her seventeen-year-old self. She addressed all the emotions and concerns she faced over the course of the year as she transitioned from high school student to college student. It was raw and vulnerable, and I wish every teenage girl could have heard this message.
With her as an inspiration, I sat down at 43 years old to ponder what I would write to my seventeen-year-old self. What advice and encouragement would I share? It is not as easy as one would think. But here goes:
Dear Seventeen-Year-Old Jessica,
Wow, time sure flies by. It seems like just yesterday that I was looking ahead to my adult life, wondering what God had in store. What a wonderful life it has been so far! You have two amazing kids, a husband that adores you, and a beautiful, supportive family. That’s not to say it’s been all puppies and rainbows, but God has carried you through the ups and the downs in life. He is your source — nothing else.
Now, I know you are a planner and like to have everything laid out, but trust me, God’s plans are better. Oh, and He has a sense of humor too. So be prepared. His path for you is a little different than what you are planning. And I think deep down inside, you know that too.
Your mid-twenties get a little rough. You’re married with two little ones and everything is as you dreamed. Then this little thing called fear tries to seep in and steal your peace. Resist the lies of the devil. Shut the “what ifs” up. Do not entertain them!!! You waste a lot of time here, and for no reason. So, please don’t worry about your future. God is already in it and has all your days planned out. Once you learn to truly trust God with your life, I mean truly trust Him, then and only then will you find peace.
Some days will be harder than others. You will walk through some storms. You will battle some health issues. And as difficult as they seem during it, Jesus will carry you through them all. Remember, nothing surprises Him. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and don’t let anything or anyone squash your faith. He has the final word.
Sweet girl, not everyone is going to like you. And that’s ok. Some people will hurt you, use you, and betray you. Be good to them anyway. The Lord will deal with them. That’s not your battle to fight. But still, choose to see the best in people.
And I cannot stress this point enough — stay in sync with the Holy Spirit. He will direct you, convict you, transform you, and reveal things you can’t imagine. You will accomplish amazing things once you realize that you cannot do life effectively without Him.
Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith. When the Lord says leap, leap! Don’t hesitate. He is the creator of the universe — He is trustworthy. These leaps will mark some of your best moments in your life. Girl, you can’t soar if you never leave the ground.
There is so much more I want to tell you, but I don’t want to spoil it. Watching God unfold His plan for you is half the fun. But I will tell you this . . . that boy you are dating, you’re going to marry him. And together, with the Lord at the center, you will have your happily ever after.
Love,
Jessica