As I sit here reflecting on the past year, I’m reminded of the mixed emotions that come with the end of a year. While some are bubbling with records of their achievements, goals crushed, partnerships established, and plans to make the new year even much better, some are soaked in the past regrets of things they didn’t do well, could have done better, and dreams unachieved.
Which category do you fall into?
I’ve been in both camps, and I’ve learned that there’s one key that guarantees peace and joy: GRATITUDE.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, gratitude is the state of being grateful. It is like a lens that shifts our focus from what went wrong to what went right. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness, even in the smallest details of our lives. It is the practice of counting our blessings instead of your regrets. Gratitude doesn’t necessarily erase the past, but it gives us the power to reframe it, learn from it, and move forward with hope.
Before you complain of what didn’t go as planned or expected in the past year, have you taken enough time to acknowledge the gifts you’ve received – health, family, friends, provision, and even the challenges that shaped your growth?
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV), Apostle Paul reminds us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice it says all circumstances, this includes the good, the bad, and even the ugly. Why? Because gratitude turns what we have into enough and transforms our hearts to trust God for what’s ahead.
When I focus on what I’m thankful for, I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness, even in the smallest details of my life.
So, I want to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the past year. What are you grateful for? Write down at least five things that come to mind. It could be small wins, unexpected opportunities, favour received or even the lessons learned from failures.
As you write them down, let gratitude fill your heart and silence the voice of regret. Instead of focusing on what didn’t happen, reflect on how far you’ve come. Maybe you didn’t achieve every goal, but you grew in faith, resilience, and wisdom. And the person you have become through the challenges you’ve faced, is a big deal!
Remember, even your mistakes can serve a purpose, and your mess can turn into a message. Your mistakes and your mess are not signs of failure but pointers to areas where God is still working. Allow yourself to learn from them without regrets.
In this new year, I want to challenge you to adopt a gratitude practice:
1. Take time in prayer to thank God for both the victories and the lessons. The experiences have produced the better YOU!
2. Get yourself a gratitude journal and write the things you’re thankful for daily. This practice reminds me of how my day went, and things or people I should be thankful for.
3. Send a text or an email of gratitude to those who have supported you last year. It shows you are mindful of how they have been of help to you.
Gratitude paves the way for more blessings because it prepares our hearts to receive them. As we count our blessings, may our faith rise, and our hope be renewed.
Let’s choose gratitude over regret and enter the new year with hearts full of praise.
What blessings are you most thankful for as you step into this new year?
Share with me in the comment section.
Love always!
