For the past several weeks and days now, I have been finding myself thinking about so many things. The more I think about these things, the more thankful I am. As the saying goes in my place, "Only those that think well will know how to thank well."
Today is the eve of my birthday, and as I sit here writing, I can't believe that a total of 366 calendar days are already rolling off to make way for a brand new year for me.
At the beginning of the year 2023, I was very excited (in fact, way before then) because I was approaching my 50th birthday. I talked and wrote about it at every opportunity I got. I started making plans on how the celebration was going to be.
Of course, since it was a milestone birthday (my Golden Jubilee), I wanted to make it something big. Before you roll your eyes, big for me meant a special thanksgiving service followed by a reception of some sort 😀.
I was still trying to decide whether to have this service and reception on the same day (my birthday) and just celebrate in school, having the kids with parents and teachers in attendance, or to choose a future date, an event hall and invite more people. Well, I felt the second choice would be too loud and more expensive, considering the fact that I always prefer the minimalist approach to life.
Anyways, first choice or second choice, none of these options was able to see the light of the day as I found myself on the sick bed. What began as slight fever and body weakness in the first week of March 2023 turned out to be what would have ended up taking my life, but God said no!
As my birthday drew nearer and nearer, I found myself getting weaker and weaker. It got to the point that the sight of food became repulsive to me. Getting out of bed was becoming a chore. I ran and re-ran tests that showed malaria parasites were highly present, as well as Salmonella tyhi and some Salmonella paratyphi, but the medications that I was given seemed to have very little effect.
Everyone was worried. It was clear that God's intervention was needed fast. I held on to God in prayer by faith. Only very few close people knew of my situation. I tried my best to get out of bed every morning to move about for a few minutes while asking God to heal me by His mercy... I was looking like a shadow of myself, even my voice didn't sound like mine anymore...
And then 23rd March 2023 arrived! It was my birthday! I got up and thanked God that I lived to see my 50th. I decided to bathe and dress up and take a walk to the school and back. It was not easy, but I kept on drawing strength from the Lord of my life.
From that day, I began to feel stronger and better, until I became totally okay. I know that God has spared my life for a reason, and I will live to fulfil my destiny.
Looking back, with a few hours left before 23rd March 2024, my heart overflows with gratitude to God for His unending blessings upon my life.
I will be stopping here for now, but I will be back to give you the gist of how it feels to be a year older😊.
Thank you for reading. Your time here is much appreciated 🙏. I wrote this post by myself, and the image used is mine.
Thank you for joining me in giving thanks to God, even as I wish myself a blessed happy birthday! Your good wishes are appreciated. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section, and I will get back to you.
Wes & Grindan