a letter to my 20-year old self

It's always interesting to go back and read old things I've written. Back in 2008, when this blog was just brand new, I wrote this post. And three years later, this is my response...

Dear Jarah,
   
I know you don't believe me, but the next handful of years are going to fly by. Soon enough you'll be finished with nursing school (hallelujah) and will be living on the other side of the country working as a nurse. I know you're worried about what it's going to be like to have to work instead of spending Christmas with your family. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you it'll be easy. It's going to be hard. You're going to miss them so much that you physically feel it. You'll spend Christmas day working your tail off, and falling into bed by yourself at 8:30 with a cup of tea and a book. But hear me now... I'm telling you to do it anyway. Somehow through it all, God is going to use your experience to help you understand Christmas more than you ever have before. 
  
You see, Jesus was born into this world so He could enter our suffering, share our pain, and bear our sin. We have a High Priest who is able to sympathize with the heartache and scars of this world. He came for us. He came to save. Through His life, death and resurrection, He won the victory over this world. As you work with little ones and their families who are well-acquainted with grief and sorrow, remember that the message of Christmas is for them. They are not alone. They have a Savior who came to bring them victory and make all things new. And His heart bleeds for them. Just when you're about to throw yourself a pity party, remember that you have been called to be an agent of this hope. You have been given the gift of serving them and easing their burden.
  
Maybe as you gain some seniority, you'll be able to spend Christmas with your family again, but for the first few years as a baby nurse, this is your portion. My encouragement to you... enjoy it. Look for God's hand in it. Surely you will see His light in the dark places.


Love,
Well, you know who

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