I am looking forward to getting home and reflecting on all the little and big things in the jar. 

This is my last 2023 post so it feels right to make it a gratitude Thursday. At the beginning of 2023 I set myself up for this moment like I knew I would have to dig deep to find much to be grateful for in 2023. I went out with one of my teams for a team building where we painted our own crafty beings…. I chose this piggy and repurposed it for a gratitude jar. Whenever I got an opportunity, I wrote something small down to remind me that even in the midst of the chaos that is 2023 life, I had things to be grateful for. I am in Cape Town and my jar is at home in Johannesburg. I can’t exactly pin point all the things I found meaningful in moments from the jar but just looking back I know that I am grateful for much! 
. Family and friends, if it was not for you I would not have managed to rest and heal when I had no choice but to be still and wait upon doctors. This was the most vulnerable I have ever been in years. I am grateful that your presence in my life allowed me the space to take the time I had not choice but to take.

. The bible says “all things work together for the good to those who love the Lord”. Not to dwell on misery of yesterday but miraculously many other man made conditions were sorted during this very time. To this moment, God I don’t know how you did this. I am just thankful for the peace that surpasses all understanding! 
I am thankful for all making all things work together for my good socially, spiritually, family -wise and in many other tangible and non tangible ways. 

Psalm 118:1-5, 14-28:

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. … The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.”

Thank you Lord for 2023, it was not easy but you were. It was challenging but with you made it bearable. Thank you for your faithfulness. Because you are good God, the God of promise , we know that we can do all things through you who strengthens us even in 2024. We know that our steps as good man are ordered by you. We thank you for what has and what will be in Jesus name. 🙏🏾

Be Blessed

LM