When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways.
-1 Corinthians 13:11

True story.

In 2011 a social psychologist named Daryl Bem did an experiment. He gave a group of people a test. Afterward, he picked some of the answers at random and had each person reflect on those correct answers.

People scored higher marks on the questions they focused on after they took the test. As a result, Bem claimed that people can influence events that have already happened.

Well, the story is true. Bem’s conclusions? Pretty much debunked.

But what if it could actually work?

I love the idea of current me sharing wisdom with previous me. I’ve faced so many tests down through the years and really could have used some answers.

I needed to learn about responsibility and humility. I needed to know when to end a bad relationship and when to take better care of myself. Mostly, I needed to know I was going to be okay, when I thought I never would.

I’m not talking about sending lottery numbers back through time. I’m talking about wisdom.

Wouldn’t it be great if wisdom flowed backwards?

I believe the Holy Spirit does this sometimes. We call it prevenient grace. God’s love nudges us before we even realize we need it. Even with all the pitfalls and mistakes you and I have endured, where would we be without God’s wisdom guiding us along?

That’s an amazing gift God gives me. I wonder, is it one I can give myself? Is there any merit to the notion of future me looking out for past me?

I believe my spirit co-mingles with God’s Spirit. My wisdom is connected with God’s wisdom, in a way I can’t comprehend. Maybe that means there is some timeless part of me actually looking out for my own wellbeing.

I don’t know if I can actually influence the events of my past, but at the least it’s a valuable thought experiment. What message might future you have for you, today?

Jesus told us to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves. We sometimes forget that last part. So I’m going to keep talking to younger me and offer some encouragement for the challenges I have/will face. It couldn’t hurt.

Who knows? Maybe I’ve come this far only through my own future interventions. If so, I’m thankful.

But above all, my thanks go to God, whose love never stops speaking.

True story.

Have a great week,

Mitch