Focused on me, on all I desired
On all I wanted, none of which I got:
Heart sinks in disappointment
And beclouded, I miss, I lose.
Focused on God, on all He did
Which I asked or knew not
Which I have or see not
Heart rises in gratitude
And liberated, I rest, I enjoy
More than I can ask or think.

There is no denying or pretending that the 2017 we ushered in months back is nearing its end. In a couple of weeks, it will be Christmas and before you know it, it’s “Happy New Year,” all over again. Before this year runs out on us, it will be nice to pause and ponder: how has it been so far?

To some, it has been a great year, to others it may have been the worst so far. Oftentimes, bad occurrences are easier to remember and tend to linger longer in our memories than the good ones. Whatever the case may be, however you may regard this year, it is needful to understand that the way we choose to exist this year will determine how we enter the coming one.

If we are in a hurry to write off 2017, there are no guarantees that 2018 will meet our dreams. If we deem it a bad year, next year may turn out worse. Whatever we choose to call this year that is finally trickling to its end, becomes the seed whose fruit we will be harvesting next year, good or bad. What label are you going to stick on 2017? The year of disappointments, discouragement, failure, delay, denial, confusion, accidents, losses, and diseases? The year of mercy, grace, favor and God’s manifold blessings? As you choose your labels, be mindful that we shall eat the fruit of our lips.

I don’t think there is any human on this planet whose life is perfect. Like rose, the thorns of life spares not any. Like the rain, it pricks the good and the bad. The difference lies in how we choose to see what comes at us and what we make of each. Victors face their challenges believing that God is working it all together for good and as a result, are grateful for little mercies that sees them through from one day to the other. Victims whine about any and everything, blaming whoever for whatever befalls them and consequently end up angry, bitter and vengeful.

There are two pathways open to all mankind; the path of gratitude and the path of thanklessness. Whichever we choose determines how we exit 2017 and enter 2018. Focusing on all that didn’t work and didn’t help will only lead to soured and bitter ending. However, if instead we choose to in spite of everything, to count the blessings we know and name them one by one, our hearts will fill and overflow with thanksgiving which will usher us into a new year that will continue to appreciate on every side for us. In this season of reckoning, I pray that you will choose gratitude and appreciation. 

Blessings
Glory!