So I know I'm not American and I don't live in the US but I truly admire the fact that they set aside a day and called it Thanksgiving. I think it's worth taking advantage of, even if it's just to have an excuse to think (and hopefully talk) about those things we are most grateful for in the year. As the title of this post connotes, I have deliberately decided not to plan what I am going to write ahead of time, just to see if I can actually think of 6 things I am grateful for..off the top of my head :). So here goes:
1. Hope: I know this is a bit of a weird one to start off with but it was the first thing that popped into my head. In the light of the recent attacks on Paris and Nigeria, it is easy for non-Christians to find ammunition for their claim that there is no God. And while as a Christian I cannot fully comprehend the "Why" or the "How", there's a light inside me that was switched on the day I got saved and I have come to recognise this to be hope. Hope that there is a bigger picture. Hope that regardless of what my eyes can see, God is good and His mercies endure forever. So I can press on in the face of life's uncertainties. We'd be lost without hope! Have you ever come across a person who seems to have lost hope? It's a scary thing, believe me!
2. God's Love- Those who know me closely know there's no character of God that resonates more with me than His love. When you've had to deal with insecurities and lack of validation like I have, the unconditional love of God is like a fountain to your thirsty heart. It is home. It is safety. I am forever grateful for the gift of His eternal love that could and would love an unloveable person like me. Constantly. Consistently.
3. Family- Obviously, this had to show up at some point! Yes, I am always grateful for the gift of family. Family aren't only those you share blood and name with. Familyare those folks who SEE you and are cool with it. They might not even get you but they love you and support you regardless. Some of you reading this are one of such to me so let me say it here: I am grateful for YOU!
I am equally grateful for the gift of a man like Ose. Words truly fail me when I think of this dude! If I honestly, ever doubted the existence of God, the fact that he brought this man alongside me to do life with should be sufficient to get rid of those assailing doubts. Ah! Plus, the bonus of three of the most adorable, smartest, coolest little people that call me "mummy". I am truly blessed amongst women. They are my testimony, my song!
4. Sense of purpose- Tele-evangelist, Writer and Speaker, Andrew Wommack says: " If you can live without knowing God's purpose for your life, you will!". If you are not in pursuit of purpose, you become one with wherever the wind blows. I am grateful I can see enough to enable me move in the right direction, in my pursuit. I tread sure-footed, knowing if I start veering off, God steers me towards the right course again.
5. Music: Again, those who know me well know music is probably my oldest, dearest friend. It has had the most profound effect on me from as far back as I remember. Memories of different phases of my life find a resting place in the songs I sang at the time...heck, it's how God finally reached little old stubborn me. Specifically as a worshipper and a person who leads others in worship I am so grateful for this beautiful gift of expression. Better still, knowing God digs it too, so much that He takes turns in singing over us, makes me even more grateful..if that's at all possible.
6. My Career: Even as I write this, my eyes well up. To think that I can actually call singing for the Lord a career deserves an article all by itself. Several even. I think I'll call it Chronicles of a reluctant Worship Leader. This year in particular has seen me literally step out of my comfort zone and dare to believe God and His word over me concerning this. Has it been easy? Gosh no! What's the fun in that?? I feel the stretching even as I write this...but stretching is good. Stretching means growth. And I havegrown in leaps and bounds. From reaching the grand final of the Open Mic Singing Competition- the only Christian Act performing on a mainstream platform- to finally completing my debut EP set for release in the second quarter of 2016...where do I even start sharing my gratitude for this? More details on this soon!
As I write, so many other things I am grateful for are springing to my head- health, provision, a new house- a real "Count Your Blessings, Name Them One By One" kinda feeling. But I promised 6, I'll stop at 6 so you don't call me a liar! Now, It's your turn: I know it's a pretty overdone exercise but I'd very much like to know the top 3 things you are most grateful for in your life's journey this year. Just list them. Put your comments down below :). I'd love to hear from you
Much love and Blessings,
Tosé