Encouragement

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The year has ended and most of our pockets are empty; our homes are empty;
our hearts are empty; our lives??

If you know me well, then you know that it has not been rosy; bumps, potholes characterise the year 2005 for me. Fraught with 'disasters', one
kind of disappointment or the other I could summarise in one statement: The
year was rough for me.

But that is not all I see. Looking back, I have a had a couple of highs. God has been my high, even when i did not know or acknowledge it. He has steered me and taken me through the wringer for good. I have learnt lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have made mistakes and had nothing to do with most of what happened to me. What did I take away from all that? Nothing that can be said here, except that, if you are focused, hardworking and patient and fortunate to have loyal friends, you can beat the worst of
situations. But the friends, where can we find them?

If you're looking for a friend, why don't you be one first? Then, you'll be found.

Approach this new year armed with the lessons of 2005. Forgive all who have wronged you. Wipe your tears. Dust your coats of disappointment. Pick up the pieces and make the best of what time you have left. Lend support to those in need. Talk to them, contact them, do something for them. Let them know
you care. Sometimes, it is enough to do just that.

God has blessed us. We need to take it. It's like having money in your bank account. You may not have it on you but all you need do is go to the bank and access it. That's how God's grace, love and mercy are. He never changes. He is the same. He has done everything. We have not come into it yet. Some of us are experiencing it now, others will meet theirs later. But we will all come into it, if we do not deviate badly.

You must have made mistakes too. You probably even wronged me. You are forgiven. And if I wronged you, please forgive me. Don't start the new year
with a heavy heart filled with hate, resentment and bitterness. It leaves such rancourous taste in your mouth and your life. Confess good things and they will begin to happen.

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