Somehow, I remember how we transitioned into the new year. For many of us, we were in Church, singing, dancing, praying, praising and worshipping the God who sustained, preserved and kept us through the previous year into this year. And now, we're about to experience another transition in less than twenty-four hours. This really calls my heart to a place of gratitude. We'll see why along the line.
The year started with great momentum. I had things planned to achieve, on a personal note and on a wider scale. I knew there were things I had to do better compared to the previous year, even as I feel the same about the coming year with regard to this year. I think that's something about transition and moving into something new. We hope to be better, do better and gain better results. The glory of the latter is always desired to be greater than the former.
However, even with the most beautiful of intentions and desires, life can have its toll on you, affecting what you hoped and planned to achieve. While some were due to inadequate planning and perhaps insufficient efforts, others were the actions of life playing its own ordeal. But hey, I'm grateful because even in this year that has been considered a tough and uneasy one, I have reasons to be grateful.
First of all, my gratitude goes to God for the gift of life and preservation to this point. It's a privilege I consider. Then to something I've learnt to cherish and be intentional about giving gratitude for; good health. This is underestimated until one loses it then they discover how delicate it is. I've enjoyed a great deal of good health this year, which meant more strength to do things. I also got some devices/gadgets I needed for my digital skills and journey. It means a lot to me.
While my pouring out of gratitude could seem like it was a totally smooth ride this year, it isn't so. I've learnt to be grateful for being alive alone. So, somehow I would still be grateful. But then, some moments were painful, tiring, overwhelming and unsettling. I've seen my plans fail. I've seen myself lose out on some great opportunities. I've seen myself face new situations that required something from me. I've seen myself take up tasks or responsibilities that were overwhelming.
In all of these, I've seen myself also gain lessons, become stronger, learn new things, develop stamina, achieve growth and more from the experiences. Our tough experiences in life should make us and not break us, and that's what I take from the experiences. They were unpalatable, but the result is what matters, because now I look and I smile, knowing I survived and I have the opportunity to do better, with these as lessons for the next year.
I can't fail to mention that one beautiful experience from this year was getting recognised and considered for opportunities with regard to my skill. I must say that I've attained much in that regard this year. This is proof that even in tough times, something good can come out. Lastly, I've been blessed with friends and loved ones who were there for me. I can't ignore that. I've seen myself also gain a good number of new people; as friends or co-workers into my life. I'm grateful for that because good human relationships are paramount.
See you in the new year.
Images are mine.