Greetings from 2010. Tomorrow, my friend, is our birthday. You'll be 16 and I'll be 40. I'll let that sink in for a moment - 40. We've been through a lot, and I've got to tell you, there isn't a whole heck of a lot I'd change. Except your hair. Seriously, dude, just...do something else with that. Appreciate while you can, 'cause you have just another 14 or 15 years with it. But I digress.
I'm writing this basically because I've got something you don't. Facial Hair! I've got something else that is even more important, if you can believe it, than facial hair. Perspective. A lot is about to change in a short amount of time. Trust me the next 24 years pass faster than you can imagine. I'd like to offer you a ton of advice and warnings and who to stay away from and what not to say (like, never EVER offer to 'babysit' your own children - Trust me), and which classes to take and when to pay attention and what to ignore. But, the choices you make between then and now effect who I am - and I like me. Plus, I know you, you'd forget it all anyway. So here are some highlights of things you will need to know.
First, think about the one thing that is the most worrisome to you. It keeps you up at night, stays just under the surface of all your thoughts. I don't remember it. I can't begin to imagine what it is. And that is not because I'm old and forgetful. It's because that ultimately, you have nothing to worry about. You are concerned with being accepted. You will be. It bothers you that you aren't part of the cool kids, or known as widely as you think that you should be. You will discover soon, that being amazingly popular among a group of close friends is a far greater joy than being accepted by the masses. Deep down you know that, but let this be an encouragement to just be you. Things pick up after high school, you'll grow more comfortable in your own skin, and amazingly, people appreciate you for who you are.
Next, be careful about making snap judgments about people and judging others according to your own standards. Life will be more joyful when you learn to meet people where they are and love them for who they are.
Speak up. I've figured that out by now, but it will make life better on 25 year old Lane if you learn to make your voice heard. You know when you have an idea that sounds great in your head but you lack the confidence to share those thoughts? Say it. Out loud. In front of people. If they don't hear you the first time, say it louder and repeat it until they do hear. Not all of your ideas are as golden as you think they are (there will be a 'retiling the bathtub project' that you should really reconsider) but most are better than you give yourself credit for. Stop hoping someone else says it, stop playing a supporting role to people with the same ideas as you, and lead.
Finally, you need to grasp this next jewel right now: No one will just hand you all the information you need. You have to pull it from them. Learn tenacity; if you need it, GET IT. Stop sitting around and waiting for it to drop in your lap.
Here are some cool things to come. You get married, sooner than you think (in less than 10 years!). She's hot, and truly your better half. You don't miraculously stop being goofy, you just find a hot girl who has a goofy guy fetish. You are a pretty good husband and a good father. Deep down you are a family man who is looking forward to having kids. You know how cool you imagine your kids will be? They are indescribably more cooler than that. They are awesome. We are blessed beyond belief.
The Cowboys return to glory, the Astros will make a World Series, and the Rangers...well, the Astros make a World Series! MSU is just still pretty much what you've come to expect.
There will be wars. None involve the USSR because the USSR doesn't exist anymore. There aren't two Germany's any more. Somehow Cuba manages to survive though.
A call to be a full time disciple isn't a call to work in a church full time.
Here in 2010, we get around town with hovercraft and jet packs. Just kidding, we're still earth-bound.
Take all of your records, and burn everything but the Dylan, U2, Pink Floyd & Beatles. Your musical awakening will happen soon, but most of the stuff you have now is crap. Even Petra.
Appreciate your Mustang. It'll be a while before you get another one.
On that note, slow down. I could have another Mustang by now with all the fines you will pay out over the next 5 years.
You are in construction, but won't work with your Dad. But it's a good gig and you find the perfect niche.
Oh yeah, next year, when your drafting class takes a trip to Grayson College to see the new Computer Aided Drafting software, you might want to pay closer attention to that. Much closer.
Eating like you are still in college into your 30's has consequences. Mix in a salad.
Also, be careful what you say about California and Californians - they might just be your neighbors someday. Also don't be surprised if you encourage your son to wear a Lakers jersey. I'm not crazy.
Forty isn't old. Fifty is getting younger everyday.
I'll leave you with this piece of advice: everyday you'll send your son off to school with the same five words of encouragement - Do Your Best, Be Yourself. You'd do well to follow your own advice.
Your Pal,
You at 40
