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There’s one sentence I will inevitably hear after every single event either of my kids participate in, no matter how big or small: “Can we go get dessert after to celebrate?”

“How many of you have a prodigal child?” I didn’t expect to hear Pastor Jim’s question in the final session of the conference. My husband and I and hundreds of other pastors and their wives had just spent three days at the Billy Graham Training Center learning ministry strategy, Bible study methods, and church growth tips. We’d gathered for one last meeting, one he’d promised would be an encouraging send off.

About twenty-five years ago, a small group sat together in a Sunday school class discussing how through Christ’s death and resurrection we could look forward to heaven.

I’m a runner. Actually, I was a runner until my left knee got mad at me a few years ago. Tightening up. Aching when I’d get out of a chair. Then it got downright angry. Buckling during a run, refusing to jog another step. I finally went to see an orthopedic doctor, hoping he could snap his fingers and let me run again. Apparently not.

Christmas transforms our home. Our annual tradition (arguably enjoyed by some members of the family more than others) of replacing our regular, year-round furnishings with Christmas décor helps to usher in the season.

My husband, Ben, and I scaled back our usual Christmas preparations significantly this year. We both love everything about the Christmas season, and in the past have gone all out in gift planning and get-togethers.

What can you learn from your younger self? Have you ever asked yourself questions like how you did something, or why? Maybe you ask yourself how you survived that surprise pregnancy, or that messy breakup, or why you made that one decision that changed your life.

“But I don’t wanna change schools! I love my school!” my son Asher objected as we brought up the idea for the first time. “Why do I need to? I’ll never see my friends again!”