Many people agree on one thing. 2020 was difficult. From the pandemic, to unrests across the world, to economic recession and to political instability, the year moved from one challenge to the other. Many lost jobs and sources of income. Some lost loved ones. Others battled with their health. Just when the world hoped that coronavirus was about to come to an end with the announcement of a vaccine, a second wave has hit many countries.
Nevertheless, you are reading this now. So, you made it! Despite the odds, you are here. Notwithstanding the challenges, you are shortly going to be one of those who will be saying – Happy New Year!
The mind is better at recording the bad than the good if one does not intentionally train it to do otherwise. Hence, the Psalmist called out, perhaps commanded, his mind to “Bless the Lord…” in Psalms 103 verse 1. He went on to tell his soul not to forget all God’s benefits and made a long list of seemingly intangible or easy-to-take-for-granted reasons to bless God – forgiveness of sin, healing, provision, tender mercies and loving kindness.
Whatever your journey or your current state, you can end 2020 with thanksgiving and praise to God, the owner of life. Tell your mind to bless God by recalling the many mercy drops you received even if you did not get the showers of blessing you hoped for. The ungrateful mind forgets quickly. Remember how God has helped you this year.
End with praise and start 2021 with a heart of gratitude.
Happy New Year!
Motunrayo is the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer at Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
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