The end of the year when the Christmas season nears has left me dragging my feet to ponder deeply on life. Christmas does not only involve me celebrating, but this is also a time that quietly compels my heart to stop and reflect on how much I have achieved.
Christmas makes me thankful in the midst of busy time, day-to-day struggles, and continuous survival and success needs. It also teaches me that I should not be thankful at the right time but I should be thankful even during the wrong season.
As I reflect on the year which is about to come to an end, I observe a mash-up of happiness, sadness, development and learning. I had some days when I felt very strong and optimistic and some days when I was very tired and frustrated.
But, thank God, I do exist, I am standing, I am dreaming. There were numerous plans that did not go as planned but I have learned that there is no denying a plan that is late. Christmas can help me have an eye opener and realize that the disappointments contributed to my becoming what I am.
Forgiveness is one of the powerful messages that Christmas imparts in my heart. I received misconceptions, shattered hopes and instances in which individuals failed me big time during the year. Sometimes, I was more persistent with bitterness than I ought to have been.
But Christmas has me remembering peace, love and reconciliation. It teaches me to keep in mind that having grudges is just a burden to the heart. I am also being taught to release and not because everyone should be forgiven, but my peace is important. This has not been a smooth ride to part ways but has been liberating.
Kindness and compassion are other things that I consider during this season. I question myself whether I was really able to demonstrate the love towards other people this year. I recall that there were times I listened, assisted, motivated or even just understood someone who was in need.
I even recall incidents where I was not doing my best. Christmas reminds me that the goodness does not need to be clangorous and costly. In some cases, it is discovered in the tiniest things, kind words, and intentions. Such little gestures have the capacity to transform lives including mine.
One of the largest challenges that I encountered this year was dealing with disappointment. I had chances of things I wanted to accomplish that were not achieved. I had objectives that I had strived to achieve but did not yield immediate returns. I wondered and doubted myself and my attempts at some point.
However, over time, I found out that disappointment is an instructor. It gave me patience, perseverance and the belief that God will act in his own time. Christmas makes me realize that all the failures would make me better the next time.
Growth is the most valued thing to me at the end of the year. I am thankful to the lessons, acquired strength, and the lessons learned through my experience. I owe my thankfulness to my family, friends and even strangers who have crossed my path and value added to my life. I appreciate the time of laughter, silent thoughts, and prayers that went unanswered and saved me and I did not even know it.
Christmas as well equips me with the new year. It provides me with the opportunity to re-strategize, re-prioritize, and start on a new course of action. I am going into the new year with hope, not fear and faith, no doubt. I brought the lessons last year, yet I get rid of the pain. A thankful heart and a fresh mind would welcome me to new beginnings as I am convinced that more wonderful times will come.