A letter from you
For a few years, I have spent each weekday morning in a virtual Bible study with two of my friends Greg Phillips and Matt Sanders. We use the Bible App from YouVersion because it allows us to pick different topics and discuss them with one another without talking on the phone or meeting (which would be hard since Matt lives outside Kansas City.) Some of the plans are better than others. Some are boring and some are so deep that Greg and I fake our comprehension of what the writer is articulating. However, every once and a while we come across a study that really pushes us. One of these is “The End of Me” by Kyle Idleman. The study begins with Mr. Idleman writing a letter to himself where he places himself on notice about some changes he is making. For whatever reason I found this very interesting and it got me thinking, if I wrote myself a letter, what would I say? What are some of the things that need to be said? How about you? What would you say to yourself in a letter?
I have provided the letter from the study below. I hope you find it as interesting as I have.
Dear Me,
I’ve known you for as long as I can remember. I once heard there’s “a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” and, yes, that’s us, though I doubt it’s what the proverb was talking about. I’ve been close to a lot of people, but you and me? We have quite an attachment.
Looking back, it’s fair to say I’ve treated you pretty well. As a matter of fact, more times than I can count, I’ve put you ahead of anything and everything else. Agreed?
As we were growing up, I tried to make sure you were always at the front of the line. I saw to it that you got the biggest cookie on the plate, the best parking spot, the comfiest chair in any room we entered.
In school, I noticed the little things you liked, and I went after them. You always loved attention, so I did everything in my power to see that you got it. You still like the spotlight, so I’ve maneuvered to keep you in its glare. Now that we have the Internet, I have more tools. I post only the pictures that show you at your very best. Anybody would think you’re living the dream. Have you seen the comments people write about you? When you have struggled or had a hard time, I’ve done my best to keep that our little secret. I’ve tried to make you happy.
Sure, it was a little easier to keep you happy when you were a cute little tyke. A simple temper tantrum got the job done. Then, as we grew older, I had to be a little more discreet. You wanted to keep winning and getting your way—all the while looking humble and unassuming. That gets tricky! Not to mention tiring.
As a matter of fact, you never seem to care about dull stuff like bills and consequences and what happens tomorrow. I’ve said more than a few harsh words on your behalf to certain people, and you never warned me about the mess. You never told me I couldn’t unsay what I’ve said.
I love you, Me. But I can’t keep living for you. You always insisted that if I’d just keep you happy, then I’d be happy—as simple as that. But you know what? It’s not as simple as that. It never has been.
Me, I’ve let you be in control and sit in the driver’s seat, but it’s clear you can’t be trusted. You keep insisting you know the way we should go, but it always seems to be a dead end. I’ve looked into some other options, and I have decided to begin a journey down a different path. It’s narrow and difficult and not many choose it, but it leads to real and abundant life. However, and there is no easy way to say this, I can’t take this path if I bring you along.
So, Me, this is the end of you.
Sincerely,
Me