BACKGROUND: “In the solitude of my room, as the noise of fireworks and ‘torotots’ (NY horns) enveloped me, I was ready to plunge into the silence within….” This was how I intended to start my annual, analytical post for each year last night but I was just too tired and weak. You see, I have a sore throat with cough and colds, the outcome of sleep deprivation, voice straining and too much holiday sweets. Starting the year this way sucks as hell especially when I didn’t taste the delicious bounty of our New year’s eve dinner. Anyway, this couldn’t stop me from looking back to how 2017 went for me. Let me briefly share with you my experience, dear reader.
From the title, I guess you’re assuming it was a year flooded with tears and regrets. Sadly, it was! You see, I’ve suffered a terrible spiritual decline throughout the past year. One that contributed to many preventable pitfalls, one that was itself very preventable. With my busy schedule, I failed to spend quality time with God unlike before but I afforded time for worldly/sinful plesasures and vain amusements. The very things I told myself I could never do I did (twas a huge slap to my prideful ego; just typing this out is hard for me) but I’ve learned to let go as I always need to. And it was all made possible by God’s grace- so amazing and wonderful!
Though I failed the Lord from time to time this 2017, He always picked me up and lavished His love on me. This was reflected in the many undeserved blessings I received this year. It would take time to enumerate them all but the ones I’m really grateful for include forgiveness, protection, sustenance, family and friends. Let me not forget the lessons and insights that I acquired the hard way, some of which I willingly shared here in previous write ups.
But 2017 was not all about defeats and bruises. I found myself able to fully forgive a friend who wronged me and now we’re in the same group of wedding singers. I discovered a lot about myself and also realised what was needed to be done in order for me to become better (no doubt that always includes divine intervention!). I’m still in the process of recovery at the moment but the only way now is up, forward. To add, I also opened up myself to a few people, formed friendships and closed unhealthy ones. Or decided to close such.
With what I went through, from the ups and downs, the achievements and failures, everything in between, I was never the same. I accepted that fact. I may have become better but I felt that my decline was more superior. But I couldn’t accept to stay like this for long , for another year. Hence, I surrendered my 2017 to the One Who never let go, the One Who always stood by me, the One who unlike me never changes! And boy, does it feel so good!
What was your 2017 like? If you have a similar story to mine, then lay it at the cross, surrender it to Jesus. Do this that we may enter into 2018 in newness of life!
Happy New Year!
P.S. Here’s a beautiful, moving song to complement my post. Be blessed!
Through Life's Ebony and Ivory 