This makes me think...
There is a song that I heard on the radio...I didn't really pay attention to it. Throughout the day, one part part kept repeating itself in my head...Towards the end of the day I looked up the lyrics and the video on youtube...because of this song. It gave me an idea for this post...but first the song that I base this post off of...I actually cried while writing this. Well here it is...Brad Paisley's "Letter to Me"
If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed
There's a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know its tough
When you break up after seven months
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare
[1st Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
She wasn't right for you
And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive
You'll make it through this and you'll see
You're still around to write this letter to me
At the stop sign at Thompson and Eighth
Always stop completely don't just tap your brakes
And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool
Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you're wrong and daddy is right
And you should really thank Mrs. Bringman
She spend so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine
[2nd Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
Tonight's the bonfire rally
But you're staying home instead because if you fail Algebra
Mom and dad will kill you dead
Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
And you're still around to write this letter to me
You've got so much up ahead
You'll make new friends
You should see your kids and wife
And I'd end up saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life
I guess I'll see you in the mirror
When you're a grown man
P.S. "go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can"
[3rd Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
I wish you'd study Spanish
I wish you'd take a typing class
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see
If I could write a letter to me
To me
Brad,
This is you Brad. I know it seems weird to be getting a letter from yourself from the future. If you doubt this is really me. Go to the backyard and in the woods near the little trail, there is a fallen tree. Dig about a foot and a half and there will be a ziplock and a picture in it. Anyway, now you know who that this is me, I have some things to tell you.
First of all, OPEN UP! I know this will be hard for you, and stop being so shy. Your life will pass you by and it isn't worth the solitude in college. It's okay to be vulnerable, it's okay to take risks. Some of your future friends will want to help you...I beg you do NOT shun them or pretend to be all tough talk to them, let them help you and be there for you. Don't make the mistakes I did.
Another thing, please listen to your parents especially your dad. He loves you and wants the best for you...he is very proud of you. Just assume that he knows what he is talking about, he is older and knows a thing or two. Just believe him and trust him.
My third topic is school. DO YOUR work. Don't put it off. Study, ask for help or do something. Especially with math. I know you will do horrible if you don't get help. Ask, get a tutor. It will make life easier. Sure, friends are good and fine...but don't forget there is a time for play and a time for work.
Another person to trust and follow, Mr. Paul, he is there for you and wants to help you become a God seeking young man. Follow his example, do what he says in regards to relationships, you have many years ahead of you enjoy your time as a single young man. You are not on the same timetable as everyone else, so take time and have fun with female friends, and treat them as sisters in Christ, and sisters in general.
You have many years ahead of you, so when something bad happens, don't forget that you have a lot in your favor.
In conclusion...be a friend and make new friends. Don't be shy, go out there and have fun. I know it will be hard...but do your best.
You,
Brad
If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed
There's a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know its tough
When you break up after seven months
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare
[1st Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
She wasn't right for you
And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive
You'll make it through this and you'll see
You're still around to write this letter to me
At the stop sign at Thompson and Eighth
Always stop completely don't just tap your brakes
And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool
Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you're wrong and daddy is right
And you should really thank Mrs. Bringman
She spend so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine
[2nd Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
Tonight's the bonfire rally
But you're staying home instead because if you fail Algebra
Mom and dad will kill you dead
Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
And you're still around to write this letter to me
You've got so much up ahead
You'll make new friends
You should see your kids and wife
And I'd end up saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life
I guess I'll see you in the mirror
When you're a grown man
P.S. "go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can"
[3rd Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
I wish you'd study Spanish
I wish you'd take a typing class
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see
If I could write a letter to me
To me
Brad,
This is you Brad. I know it seems weird to be getting a letter from yourself from the future. If you doubt this is really me. Go to the backyard and in the woods near the little trail, there is a fallen tree. Dig about a foot and a half and there will be a ziplock and a picture in it. Anyway, now you know who that this is me, I have some things to tell you.
First of all, OPEN UP! I know this will be hard for you, and stop being so shy. Your life will pass you by and it isn't worth the solitude in college. It's okay to be vulnerable, it's okay to take risks. Some of your future friends will want to help you...I beg you do NOT shun them or pretend to be all tough talk to them, let them help you and be there for you. Don't make the mistakes I did.
Another thing, please listen to your parents especially your dad. He loves you and wants the best for you...he is very proud of you. Just assume that he knows what he is talking about, he is older and knows a thing or two. Just believe him and trust him.
My third topic is school. DO YOUR work. Don't put it off. Study, ask for help or do something. Especially with math. I know you will do horrible if you don't get help. Ask, get a tutor. It will make life easier. Sure, friends are good and fine...but don't forget there is a time for play and a time for work.
Another person to trust and follow, Mr. Paul, he is there for you and wants to help you become a God seeking young man. Follow his example, do what he says in regards to relationships, you have many years ahead of you enjoy your time as a single young man. You are not on the same timetable as everyone else, so take time and have fun with female friends, and treat them as sisters in Christ, and sisters in general.
You have many years ahead of you, so when something bad happens, don't forget that you have a lot in your favor.
In conclusion...be a friend and make new friends. Don't be shy, go out there and have fun. I know it will be hard...but do your best.
You,
Brad
posted by Aielunknown at 11:22 PM
2 Comments:
I like your letter. It's Brad, through and through. Do you think you would have taken your advice?
*hugs*
I'm still rooting for you Brad, even if I'm crazy busy/far away and don't email as much as I should.
I've never heard the song - but I shall look it up.
You can still take all of that advice Brad. :-)
Miss you.
Hi, Brad.
Well, that's definitely the best blog post I've read all year. And, some of the best advice anyone could ever give you. I'm really impressed. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
I'm so glad I got to know the 17-year-old Brad, and I look forward to knowing you as you grow into the man God's called you to be.
I've never heard that song, but now I'll have to look him up. It cool how God uses all sorts of things to speak to us.
God bless you, Brad!
Your friend,
Caroline Gregan
(Hey...you're both named Brad!)
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