55 Year Old Wade’s Letter to 18 Year Old Wade

Hi Wade

I know you won’t get this in time for it to make a difference. I just feel compelled to write this to me so here goes.

I think I can best give you advice in two word segments.

  1. BRACE YOURSELF. You are in for an incredible journey for your life. Don’t expect routine for very long. You’ll take chances. Go for it! Those experiences will stretch you in ways most folks will never know. In another 15 years I may look back at this and laugh at how appropriate this advice remains in mid-life.
  2. BE CONTENT. You already have the most important thing anybody ever needs in this life. Your personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ will only deepen. Those moves you’ll do will make you depend on God like nobody’s business. A cloud of witnesses is paying attention to you.
  3. REMAIN FAITHFUL. Those two dreams you had of flying will come true when you least expect it. No, you won’t levitate off the ground. You will do something you never thought you’d ever do beginning at the age of 47. Writing will become your passion. Don’t forget what Mr. McHattie taught you.
  4. LOVE DEEPLY. Your heart will be broken by one closest to you. Love with your whole heart anyway. The memories you share won’t be taken from you. Don’t expect someone else to complete you, only Jesus can do that. To know intimacy with a woman on every level is an incredible experience you don’t want to miss.
  5. REACH OUT. You have a good heart. Continue to help those who you’ll never know their name. And when the time comes when you need help don’t hesitate so much to ask for help. That’s when you’ll discover who your true friends are. Other people’s children will cling to you for comfort.
  6. LAUGH OFTEN. Many people will appreciate your sense of humor. You’ll make friends who you never would associate with otherwise. Co-workers will confide in you simply because you broke into their heart with a laugh. Tensions will abate with your wit at the appropriate moment.
  7. STAY CALM. You’ll get a handle on your temper in time. You’ll be told you have a calming affect on others. It’s one of your strong points that will serve you well. Most people don’t have the same anchor you do so use Jesus’s foundation often. The stress you avoid will be worth it.
  8. EXPECT STRUGGLE. The times you experience financial security will be short-lived at best so do your best to hang on. God will provide for you in ways you’ll never imagine. Seasons of manna will be more frequent than anybody would prefer but they’ll build your character and dependence on God.
  9. NEVER QUIT. Your work ethic will be needed and appreciated. Always remember what Pastor Springstead taught about Colossians 3:23. Do everything as if Jesus Christ asked you to do it. You’ll hate that advice at times, but push through those moments. They’ll build you stronger in the long run.
  10. LOOK UP. You’ll spend a lot of time by yourself, but you’ll never be alone. Your heavenly Father loves you something fierce. Never lose sight of that fact. You’ll be brought to your knees frequently. Remember your help comes from above. Strength will come when you need it most.

You’re a good man, Wade. You’re going to impact a lot of lives.

I guess I’m writing this now because I’m on the cusp of a turning point in my life. Now I have my own advice to turn to to keep me on track.

One last piece of advice. PRAY HARD. Don’t be surprised when your first book to be published is a compilation of your prayers. You’ve always had an open line of communication with the Creator of the universe. Encourage others to pray for you because you’ll need it now more than ever.

Thank you in advance.

I’ll see you later.   Wade

By wadewebster

I'm a truck driver turned writer. My writing drives people to Jesus. I love sunsets/sunrises, dark chocolate, coffee, cats and dogs (as long as their owners pick up after them) and solitude. My relationship with God through Jesus Christ is most important to me, not a religion. This writing gig is all God's idea. I only wish to bring more attention to Jesus with it.

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