ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Amidst the storm.

Hello, Mi Dearest Reader.

First and foremost, I would want to express my gratitude for reading my newsletters on a consistent basis. Your remarks motivate me, and I value your love and support. I hope you'll share my posts with your friends.

A lot has been happening in our country, Nigeria, and the worst part is that the dollar is increasing, and our naira is falling . Everybody dey feel am. When you go to the market, you will notice that the price of yesterday is no longer the price of today; each new day brings a new price increase, but ultimately, the children of God will Survive!.

Also we've been complaining about the heat in the Nation and how the previous person who went to hell failed to close the gate, but God heard our cries and locked the gate and provided rain. That rain was very much needed #Glorrryyyyy

Before I begin today's letter, I'd want to share a brief story with you. Please stay with me.

I learned something from my not-so-little kid, Bethel

Last term, her school hosted an open day ceremony. This event allows parents or guardians to check their child's books and connect with the teacher. Yeah

Bethel is someone who can be extremely persistent when she needs something. She will continue to try until she gets what she wants. That is one of my favorite things about her.

She asked my mom to attend the ceremony so she would not be left out. My mom informed me that she has a program at church that day, and my father does as well. So I will be the one to represent her. I told her I wasn't sure because I will be going to the Market to restock some goods, but I'd try.

She was pleased when she heard, "I will try." She did not cease reminding me. Every morning, before D-Day. Aunty Favour, don't forget about my open day please.

The D-Day arrived, she woke up, and the first thing she said was, "Please don't forget that today is open day."

After getting ready for school, she was almost at the gate. She returned and asked, "Will you come to my open day ceremony?" With her adorable, innocent face

I grinned and answered, "Yes." She said thank you and departed.

I'm sure she said a lot of prayers in her head, such as, "God, please let my mom come," or "God, please don't let her forget," etc. Cause I was disturbed in the spirit.

I dressed up and placed a small token in an envelope for her teacher. I was once a teacher, so I understand how this works, and a simple thank you goes a long way.

I got to the school, and right away she noticed me. Her face lit up, and she was blushing hard. I could tell she was delighted to see me. I did what I had to do and spoke briefly with the teacher.

Bethel is a good and intelligent girl, she my assistant self, She doesn't give me issues. Said her teacher.

I handed her the package and departed for work.

Bethel returned home, beaming with joy. Thank you for attending. I thought you wouldn't come, but I'm glad you did.

My teacher gave me a note to present you, "Thank you very much, ma. With a prayer alongside".

I asked Bethel, "How would you have felt if I didn't come?" I will feel bad, like very sad, she said.

I grinned as she hugged me. “Thank you; I'm so happy.” She never stopped talking about that day and how she felt, and each narrative concluded with a thank you for coming. I love you so much.

Fast forward to last week, we were just randomly gisting and she brought up information about her school.

Aunty Favour, Remember when you came to my open day? Oh, I was so happy, I can't forget that day. Thank you so much. (Bethel can be like this, I'm not exaggerating)

Do you know tomorrow's P.T.A. meeting? Please, I would like you to come. She said

And you're just telling me about it now, the information arrived late, therefore I'm not coming. Why haven't you said it since? I asked her.

I could tell she was unhappy based on her reaction. But she did not complain or dispute with me; instead, she calmly lay down and went to bed.

Where am I driving at?

You see as human beings, We have a tendency to grumble about minor inconveniences and overlook our benefits.

We've all heard the story of the Israelites, the Red Sea, and how they were rescued from Pharaoh and his people, yet all they did was Complain. Isn't that also us?

Consider the hot weather we've been experiencing, and how God provided us with rain this week. Some folks still complained.

Why didn't it fall at night? Why did it fall in the morning? No notice; I was already getting ready for work when the rain began. Small rain, floods everywhere, blah blah...

Many of us lack the ability to express gratitude. We do nothing except complain. How about expressing gratitude for the tiny things?

If there's one thing I've learned this time around, it's to stop complaining. You may be wondering how one can find peace in Thanksgiving among all of the inflation, difficulties, and naira depreciation.

Do you realize that thankfulness is even more important during these difficult times? This is simply a light of hope for a brighter tomorrow. Instead of focusing on the obstacles, we can gain strength by focusing on the positive, putting our trust in Jesus, and praying through them.

Thank God for Minister Eben's words during the Hallelujah Challenge. This is the moment "You don't get what you want; you get what you say." So be careful how you discuss economic challenges; the naira's collapse and the dollar's rise do not affect us, and that is correct. As God's children, when others say there is a casting down because we are sons, we shall respond with a lifting up. Our focus should be on Jesus! Let your attention be on Jesus rather than the crises. Propose in your heart to give God honor and thanks.

Dearest Reader,

God has been so faithful to us, so kind and compassionate, but aside from Sunday Thanksgiving in church, all we do is grumble (don't worry, I'm guilty as well).

There are many things to be grateful for, and as we learn to appreciate, more benefits will follow.

Ephesians 5:20 says, “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything.” 

And 1Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

While this is sometimes easier said than done, instead of spending time worrying or being upset. You can write down things you are glad for every day, or simply thank the Lord in your heart.

Ask God to help you create a grateful attitude, in which you train your heart and mind to perceive the good and be sincerely grateful for the many blessings God has bestowed upon you, beginning with Him.

Let us cultivate an attitude of thankfulness.

This is a cue to comment stating things you are grateful for amidst the storm we are facing.. Let's keep it coming #winks

Lastly, I've been listening to "You are Good" by Femi Okunuga. You can get the song too it will bless your heart.