A Journey of Gratitude and Reflection

 

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to lose sight of the countless blessings that surround us every day. As we begin a new year, perhaps you, like myself, find yourself in the quiet moments of retrospection, wondering if God has truly been present and active in your life in 2023.

Let's pause for a moment, and just as the Lord interrupted Pastor E.A. Adeboye some years ago, allow Him to interrupt your thoughts too. Take a pen and paper, and consider these questions:

“How many times did you travel in the previous year?”

In the mundane rhythm of our days, we often forget the privilege of movement. The journeys we embark on, big or small, are a testament to the possibilities that each day holds.

“How many times did you have an accident?”

Reflect on the times you were kept safe from harm, the near misses that might have gone unnoticed. Each preserved moment is a testimony of divine protection.

“More than 365 days have gone by in the previous year; how many times did you sleep and wake up?”

Countless nights have turned into mornings. Your every awakening is a reminder that there's a purpose for your life, a reason to face each new day.

“Do you know how many people slept and didn’t wake up? How many times were you hungry this year?”

Gratitude flourishes in the recognition that our basic needs are met. Consider the privilege of a filled stomach and the security of each peaceful night's sleep.

“Are you aware that there are people in the hospital who want to eat but have no appetite?”

Even in times of discomfort or illness, there's a reminder of the delicate balance between health and illness, a chance to appreciate the days of vitality.

“How much do you remit to God for the Oxygen you breathe in? Lest assume you pay for the Oxygen, do you go through any surgical procedure to exhale Carbon dioxide?”

Reflect on the miracle of breath, the involuntary act that keeps you alive. It's a reminder that the very air you breathe is a gift, and the processes that sustain your life are miracles in themselves.

No matter how challenging or uncertain last year may have seemed, let's not forget His mercies. In the grand tapestry of our lives, these seemingly simple questions weave a narrative of gratitude. As we express thanks for the extraordinary and the mundane, may we find ourselves immersed in a deep sense of appreciation for the goodness that surrounds us.

So, as we step into the future, let's carry forward the lessons of gratitude. In every breath, every journey, and every awakening, may we find reasons to be thankful, for it is in gratitude that we discover the true richness of life. Never forget The Lord's mercies—they are the threads that bind our past, present, and future in a tapestry of divine grace.

WELCOME TO A JOYFUL YEAR 2024!