A Gift of Thanks

Its amazing how sometimes, we hear the same words of advice over and over again and yet never think it applies to us. Recently, and I mean, very, very, recently. I realized how completely and totally ungrateful I’ve been.



God has been so amazing to me this year.


I finished my Youth Service and was retained by the organization I served in. In spite of the fact that I was told throughout my entire service year that this would never happen, as the company had placed an embargo on employment. To be fair, the embargo was strictly complied with throughout the year, lifted temporarily to allow me (and my batch members) to be employed as staff, and then placed back on firmly. If this isn’t a miracle then I don’t know what is. To be honest, God was faithful, He led me to sow a certain seed while I was serving and I obeyed even though it wasn’t always easy. Looking back, I have no idea how I did it. All I can say is that God deeply loves us “and wishes above all things that we prosper and be in good health” and somehow the grace for obedience came upon me supernaturally. So at the end of the day, it all comes back to him.


So, I got a job, without hustling, writing a test or knowing any Uncle on the Director’s floor. It came to me on a platter of gold, ‘and the Lord gave it to me as a free gift, smiling as He gave it to me’. So with all this, you’d think I would have been out of this world excited the day I got the call that I was offered the job right? Nope. Quite the opposite. I’d gone back to Lagos immediately after my Passing out Parade (POP) and was looking forward to grown up life in the big city of Las Gidi. In my own mind, I had no intention what so ever of settling down in Abuja. I didn’t want to leave my comfort zone and my family and circle of friends. So it was with tantrums and tears that I was bundled on a plane, mentally kicking and screaming, back to the F.C.T, where I knew so many people longed for an opportunity to live and work in. I just felt I wasn’t one of those people. Throughout this entire ordeal, the only thing that gave me comfort was knowing that I would be returning to the amazing church that I had found a home and comfort in during my service year.


So I came back, and I have to say I have no regrets. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t all been fun and games, and I am still trying to settle down in some ways. But, I have now come to accept and understand the simple fact that I had been hearing all my life, as someone who was born into a Christian family; that God has a unique plan and special purpose for my life. I am at peace, because I know that


“The plans he has to wards me are thoughts of good and not of evil, to give me a hope and a future”


I may not know what the year 2011 will bring, or even where I will spend this Christmas but the Lord knows. That’s all I need to remember, that my life could not be in better hands than that of the Lord God Almighty.



In addition to blessing me with a job, I can honestly say that many of the prophecies that my Pastor and Mentor, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo has said over my life in the last few months are already coming to pass and I am amazed, over whelmed and grateful to the Lord most high. Truly this has been a remarkable year.



It has not been without its share of challenges though. And difficult ones at that I must say. It’s been hard, but God has and continues to see me and my family through.


Now back to the issue of my ungratefulness. I realized like I said, very recently that I had been choosing to focus on the things that hadn’t worked out this year, instead of being grateful for the things that had worked. My thanksgiving and praise had been so fleeting, and my complaining, asking and grumbling had been lingering.


Now, I seek his forgiveness. I have been listening to an amazing sermon by another of my mentors Reverend Sam Adeyemi called “Thanksgiving” and I know that I must give an offering of praise and thanksgiving for all that he has done for me.



“Be cheerful no matter what; pray ALL the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (MSG)



This is the scripture I have been mediating upon for awhile and it has given me great comfort, peace and joy.


So yes, like I said I choose to be Grateful and not a Great Fool


In addition to the “big things” I am just as grateful for the “little things as well”. This Christmas, I am thankful for many things a few of which I shall mention:


I am grateful to be healthy. I have had friends and family spend Christmas in the hospital on their sick beds away from their family and loved ones. I am grateful to not be in that position


I am grateful for my friends both new and old who have been great sources of joy and blessing in my life


I am grateful for the peace that I have which passes all human understanding and for joy unspeakable


I am grateful for my new nephew, whom I already love with all my heart.


I am grateful for the freedom I have to worship the Lord as I desire, how I desire, when I desire. It means so much to me in ways only God can understand.


I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to be so blessed by various men and women of God in the last few weeks. It’s been such a privilege.


Above all, I am thankful for life. Mine; as well as that of my family and friends.


Flowing from my heart, are the issues of my heart. It’s…..gratefulness.


This Christmas, what are you thankful for?


Merry Christmas people.


Cheers.