2017 went really fast. I thought I just celebrated
my birthday a few weeks ago, but as I look on the calendar, it is almost end of
the year. Looking back on the year that was, I just wanted to thank God for
everything that had happened throughout the year.
“For
everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”
Ecclesiastes
3:1 (ESV)
There are a lot of things happened for the past
year, most of which made and helped me to be a better version of myself.
Without the triumphs and challenges I faced, I would not be the person I am
today. Everything happened in the right time and season of my life.
Work, life and ministry, 3 things that would
probably sum up my 2017. Let me share to you what happened along
the way:
WORK &
LIFE
2017 has been a great year for me. My work provided
avenues to make me better professionally, thus giving me a little boost of
confidence whenever at work. Life has been fair for me, making me stronger each
day, through the challenges I faced each day, though there are times that I
really wanted to give up. But thank God that He is always with me as I rise up
in every occasion. Whether what happened, I know and felt that
everything contributed in my growth and depth as well, in terms of being a
young professional.
MINISTRY
This year has been my most active year as a
volunteer at church, and some of my closest friends can attest to that. I can
be seen almost everywhere. I almost go home everyday late at night. I came to
the point of being exhausted and asked myself why. Some of my mentors also
asked me to slow down and take things according to its priority. I had a hard
time coping up and it took me some months to finally learn and apply that
important lesson. I thank God for giving and surrounding me with people who
never gave up on me and who are always there to pray for me. I was able to
overcome this obstacle.
Having said that, everything that had happened
makes me look forward for 2018. Are you looking forward for the coming year?
I am looking forward for the coming year as I am
eager to see how God will move in and through me. As early as conceptualizing
this blog, I already had some faith goals in mind that I would like to pray for
to happen. I’m expecting and at the same time preparing myself for the things
that are yet to come next year.
From work, to life and to ministry, a lot of things
contributed for my development and growth this year as a young professional
working abroad and as a volunteer and leader at church. Here are some the
things that I learned for the past year.
- Humbleness (not prideful)
Being humble is marked by being modest in behavior,
attitude and spirit, not arrogant or prideful. This helped me to always give my
best in everything I do, without expecting something in return, that it is
Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13) everyday to carry on each task,
face challenges and celebrate the triumphs after.
- Openness (not isolation)
As I nurture my relationships with the people whom God
placed in my life, I am trying to be more open and letting down the walls (shame
and insecurities) I built myself. I can openly share to them a few things,
which I never imagined that I would be able to tell them. By being open to my
mentors, a stronger relationship was built and I pray and hope that this will
be a start for more and be able to contribute for our growth. (Proverbs 27:17)
- Perseverance (not giving up)
Our lives are not meant to be storm free, but rather storm
proof. This is one of the lessons I will forever treasure as I continue to seek
God every day of my life. Amidst of the trials I experience, I always remember
why I am running this race of life. (Hebrews 12:1)
- Excellence (not mediocre)
Being the best version of ourselves is not easily
achievable. We have to persevere, jump off each hurdle in a particular season of
our lives. But as we progress, we need also to evaluate everything (ourselves
and the things surrounding us). Focus is also important as we do these things.
I learned to always fix your eyes to the One who gave us everything. (Hebrew 12:2)
Aside from the lessons, many people have inspired
me to continue to persevere, honor and serve God by using the talents He has
given me and I am forever grateful with these people who have spoken into my
life since the day that I followed God.
