30/12/2023
MY REFLECTIONS-2023
Another amazing year is about to give way to another. I believe we all had our moments of triumph, struggles, doubts, love, pain, etc. I share my personal reflections on how the year has been for me. I hope you enjoy the read.
1. Be a Blessing no matter what!
One amazing thing I learned this year is to be determined to always be a blessing to others, no matter the situation I find myself in. I had some personal expectations for the year that did not materialize. Yet, in the midst of my disappointments, I had to wear a smile and be a blessing to others. Joseph might have felt disappointed being locked up in Potiphar’s prison for something he did not do, yet he remained a blessing, applying his gifts to help solve the problems of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, who found themselves there at a point.
So no matter where you find yourself, you have something to give. Don’t allow your disappointments to block your channel of blessings to others.
2. Help will show up when you take the initiative
Many times I have been hesitant to undertake an initiative I am inspired to take, mainly because the resources don’t add up. Strangely, if I muster the courage to start anyway, God always brings the provision to complete at my doorsteps.
Know that there are so many people and resources standing on the touchline of your life to lend a helping hand, but they will only show up when you take the initiative. So start anyway, even when you feel the most inadequate.
3. Humans are Human
It was for a reason why the good book said, ‘God is not a man that he should lie nor a son of man that he should repent.’ It means that men ordinarily will lie or change their minds, even when they initially commit to a cause. Also, understand that most people are loyal to their bellies and not to you. As long as they can no longer benefit from you, many will turn against you at the slightest provocation. For the heart of a man, without the influence of the Holy Spirit, is desperately wicked.
Am I saying all these for you to lose faith in humanity? Absolutely not! But to condition you to forgive easily because man will disappoint you the most when you least expect it. If we are to bear grudges with everyone that offends us, there will soon be no one left to relate to.
4. The Weight of Unexplained Hatred
Not everyone will cheer for your success; some will even harbor baseless hatred. It's okay. This year, I understood that success can inadvertently highlight others' shortcomings, triggering unwarranted animosity. That said, you need to be wise as a serpent, manage the noise, and be at peace with all men. You will never have the luxury of being surrounded by friends only. As Sun Tzu puts it, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” So learn to use your detractors to your advantage instead of wasting precious time fighting them.
5. The Price of Trusting Finances with Loved Ones
I have had some rude awakenings when friends I had bailed out financially in their moment of distress simply refused to pay back the money in the time and manner previously agreed. Most friends and families seek financial help with no intention to pay back. So my new rule of thumb is that if the amount you are asking is not something I can easily part ways with as a loss, then I won’t risk it.
When friends show up with very juicy deals, don’t be quick to jump on it. The best decision might be encouraging them to go to one of the financial institutions to sort them out. Also, never take a loan on behalf of friends and relatives. The truth is that they will default in payments and destroy the cherished relationship you thought you were protecting in the first place.
6. Always Count your blessings!
It is very easy to walk around with drooped shoulders when, per your estimations, God doesn’t come through for you on a particular issue. You can easily forget all the blessings he has thrown your way, most of which you did not deserve or qualify for. In moments like that, pick up a pen and a paper and list all the blessings of God in your life, and it will surprise you what the Lord has already done for you. And indeed, if he has brought you this far, He will surely take you further.
7. Don’t let a “NO” destroy a beautiful friendship
I have seen many thriving relationships break down because one party wasn’t given the favors they have become used to. Never feel entitled to other people’s kindness, and don’t exhibit bad behavior because you could not have it your way this time. Take a step back and invest in the relationships God has brought your way and don’t resign your faith to always being at the receiving end of stuff in any relationship.
8. It is never about you, but rather your impact
There was a time the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus, simply because by the account of his resurrection, many of the Jews were deserting them to believe in Jesus. They initially had no problem with Lazarus until his life started making an impact. There will be times where your selfish interests will take a better part of you, but understand that there is a greater cause for your very existence on this earth: to make an impact for your creator. No matter what, don’t let the devil derail you from your purpose. It is not just about you, but the greater good.
So what are your personal reflections on the year 2023? I would love to hear them. Share them in the comments box.
