See the girl in this picture here? It’s obviously an older picture, faded and grainy. Yet that girl is a little bit sassy. Can you tell?

Yes, the girl in the photo is me, and this picture was taken about six weeks or so before my 20th birthday…in other words, a VERY long time ago!

There are many emotions that come to me as I look at this photo and see that cheeky girl with her playful pose.

First, I wish I was still that skinny. HA! Yes, most every woman says that when looking at their younger selves. As for me, well, I definitely don’t wear shorts like that these days, and my legs don’t look that nice anymore.

Second, is knowing that this pose is definitely a bit ironic. Six weeks after this photo was taken, I was in a serious motorcycle accident (motorcycle vs pick-up truck). I landed in the hospital for three weeks, and endured three surgeries during that time, with a 4^th one down the road.

My main injury was a compound fracture of my right femur, which required the multiple surgeries. And produced the scars on my leg that I’ve had ever since. So, this photograph startles me, because it may have been one of the last pictures taken that show a pretty, un-scarred leg. Especially with that pose!

You may think that I look at my younger self and want to shake her or tell her not to get on that motorcycle.

Even though on the surface, it sounds like it would be cool to go back and talk to your younger self, my first question is: would I listen? Especially as a 20-year-old fairly immature college student. Would I listen to my older self? I’m not so sure.

Instead, I need to think about what lessons I learned that particular summer that have stayed with me ever since.

First, I learned that I was stronger than I imagined I could be. This strength proved useful 20 years later when I was diagnosed with the first of three cancers.

Second, that a positive attitude can make all the difference with recovery and healing. I remember joking with the paramedics on the ride to the hospital. Okay, that was probably shock. But getting to know the nurses on the 4th floor of the hospital, and working with physical therapists, who weren’t actually out to torture you, but only wanted you to walk again, gave me hope every day. Staying positive and motivated helped with the healing.

And third, maybe I wasn’t cut out for a lifestyle that includes motorcycles! Hee hee.

Okay, with the benefit of hindsight, if I could go back to my younger self and try to dissuade her from getting on that motorcycle, would I? How would that have changed the course of my life, especially when tougher battles were yet to come.

I believe the lesson we all need to learn is to lean on God. Stay positive because God walks with us. We have God’s strength flowing through each of us. These lessons for me started with that motorcycle accident.

There’s a verse from the book of Psalms that resonates with me.

I think God showed me when I was 20 years old that it was okay to be bold, and that he would give me the strength in my soul — that deep strength, courage, and comfort – that would be needed to face what life would bring.

So, today, I look at the faded picture of a spirited girl and I’d tell her to go live life to the fullest. That way she can learn that she is stronger than she could ever imagine.

What about you? Do you have a defining moment in your life? Would you change it if you could?

Let’s encourage one another.