Dear Childhood Me -

Hey, you.

We're pretty similar, you know.

I guess we are the same person.

We both have an unhealthy amount of energy, a love for telling stories, and way too much hair on our heads.

Oh, and we both laugh at every chance we get, smile at strangers, and eat way too much ice cream.

Yeah, and I'm still a Leafs fan (Dad's fault, ok?). And, no that growth spurt everyone talks about only sorta-kinda happened. Cuz I'm still short (Also Dad's fault.).

Oh yeah, and we're also both perfectionists.

You know what, we're pretty similar, but I think I have at least some wisdom to impart to you.

Ease Up. 

You'll be a little shocked to hear that I'm trying really hard not to be so worried about being perfect anymore.

And concentrate more on clinging to our Jesus' version of perfect.

Let me tell you, girl, it's way better.

You know that Jesus guy, who you asked to live in your heart at four?

You would not believe how complicated-ly simple He gets throughout the coming years.

I know you don't totally get it all yet. (Neither do I, really.) But in your tween years you'll start to claim this faith for your own. No more just going through the motions.

You'll start asking questions. Soon it will lead you to this one: "Mom, Dad, can I have a little sister through Compassion?"

Girl - this is going to change your life. 

You're going to start to learn how broken is beautiful, and what Jesus really meant when he said "Blessed are the hungry and thirsty." (I know those beatitudes always confused you... I mean, wouldn't Jesus want you to be rich, not poor, in spirit?)

Sponsoring a child will be the start of some crazy things for you. You'll ask tough questions about what the Jesus-life really looks like... and you'll start to realize pursuing justice and serving the poor is at the very heart of following Jesus.

You'll go on a trip to the Philippines, and you'll go twice to Wilmington. You'll start to learn more and more about all the people in this world who are hurting, and how the God you call Father so desperately wants them to find hope.

You'll start to realize how this pursuing justice thing... it's a lifestyle, not a hobby.

Many of your friends won't get it. Some days, you won't want to get it.

But really, you'll always be damaged to the First world life. And you'll always be so thankful for that.

Does the life of living justice suck sometimes? Yes. You'll get impatient, frustrated, some days you'll lose hope. Sometimes, you'd rather be self-centred. You'll fail lots and lots and lots of times.

And so this is my word of advice to you today: Start practicing imperfect.

Because in this world, you will have trouble.

But take heart -

He has overcome the world.

-

It's Compassion Blog Month! I'm part of a network of bloggers called the Compassion Bloggers who have one goal: Use our voices to release children from poverty in Jesus' name. Check us out & join us at our website.

And Blog Month? Blog Month has one goal: Get 3160 children sponsored. As of Tuesday, we were at 1747. (More than halfway!!!)

You can be a part of reaching that goal, by sponsoring a child through Compassion International!

Seriously, it will change your life. It changed mine and my family's.

So, if you're American click here, and Canadians click here, and start your journey.

Will it feel overwhelming sometimes? Yes.

But take heart, because Jesus - with His hope, joy, love and freedom - He's got your back in this world changing business. :)