I suspect a lot of people went through a phase of introspection when the American actor Chadwick Boseman died. At least, I hope a lot of people did. There’s something special about celebrating the life of a well accomplished person; even more, when we lose people who seem to have died young. We reflect on all the things the person accomplished or think about all the things they could have done in the future, if they had one. Personally, I have been thinking about the frailty of life, and the need to live life with urgency. A lot has happened this year, and if 2020 has not taught us anything, it should be to be grateful for life, and mindful of what we are doing with it.
I had a conversation with a friend of mine, and she told me “You need to stop looking at writing as your hobby, and start seeing it as your job”, (special shoutout to Mrs. Bimpong). this shook me to the core and I don’t think I need to explain why.
One of the quotes that came out in celebrating Chadwick’s life gave a pictorial preview of what we would all go through at some point in our existence. Once you reach the end of your life on earth, you will stand before God and at that moment, would you have given all of your labour / talent to Him and His glory? It doesn’t even have to be deep yet: what you do daily, are you doing it wholeheartedly, intentionally, and to the best of your ability? God is most glorified when we use our gifts, talents and other resources to the fullest. Are you living in a way that will permit you to say, “I used everything You gave me”?
Well… here’s a few ways to start – from the little I’ve discovered, life has its “up seasons” and “down seasons” – but the magic happens when you are grateful for the gifts God has given you, irrespective of which season you are in. Most of us seek God when we are in trouble or at a crossroads and when everything is fine and dandy, we forget about Him.
Are you in a season of waiting? Are you yet to discover your purpose? Are you wondering why things do not seem to be going the way you want them to? Are you losing hope? Are you losing sight of why you’re where you are in the first place?
Pause.
Have a conversation with your creator. Tell Him: “Thank you. Thank you for…” and identify the blessings you have that you usually take for granted. Look at the value of the new and old things that have become a part of your immediate environment. Whether you know it or not, everyone else may not have the things, people, and places you have access to. Yes, things like food, water, peace of mind, freedom, a roof over your head, a job, a relative, a friend, internet access, energy to speak or talk, shoes, clothes, an experience, or even a testimony.
Identify why you have those blessings and the ways in which you can utilize them profitably.
The way I see life, there are two ways to approach every season in your life: Gratitude and Purpose. Once you are able to appreciate where you find yourself, the next step is to figure out why you are there. Ask yourself: “what is the reason for this blessing, this season, this testimony, this relationship, this job, etc”. As you apply yourself and make the effort to do your best at every point in time, you will find out how best to live out that season to its fullest.
Try your best not to waste the time God has given you. Start with God, start with gratitude and start now.
God bless you.
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