Thanks For Making My 2013 Spectacular!

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013. I remember that day just like it was yesterday! Celebrations were in full gear to mark the beginning of the new year, the distinct aroma of fried chicken had saturated the dry Harmattan air. (Meanwhile, why is the weather still so hot and humid at this time of the year? The Christmas/New Year feel just isn't there this time around. Global warming abi?) But in the middle of all the merry-making and the joy in the atmosphere, there I sat on my bed, looking in the mirror, the ghost of a wry smile gradually becoming visible on my still sleepy face, anxious about what a year 2013 would turn out to be for me. Yes, being a firm believer in the power of prayers, I had already committed the year into God's hands and I knew He had heard and answered, but yet, anxious I was. Looking back now 364 days later, can I say my anxiety was worth it?

2013 was a rollercoaster ride, my friend, a rollercoaster ride on steroids! It was a year characterised by ups and downs, highs and lows, literally a wild and ironic circus of paradoxes, antitheses and oxymorons...one I was more or less at the very centre of. It brought along some of my happiest moments, and some of my saddest. For each frown there was a smile, and for every tear a burst of laughter. Each day had its own special story. Its own unique battle. Its own...

I had my fair share of unhappiness in 2013. I suffered the two most serious illnesses of my entire life this year, one sometime around March, and the other just a couple of weeks ago. Not like I was scared I was going to die or anything, I just detest and loathe being ill...because I very rarely am. The 6 months of ASUU being on strike were very difficult and sad ones as well. It was definitely one of the lowest periods of my life. Not only did I have to deal with boredom and being relatively unproductive, which were virtually alien to me prior to this 'dark age', I had to endure sad thoughts...painful thoughts, which otherwise would have fizzled away had I been busy and engaged productively. It was, however, during this period I not only strengthened my relationship with my Creator but also received the inspiration for a lot of things, this blog being one of the lot. God sure has His way of making beautiful music out of broken chords, doesn't He?

The year 2013 didn't only come with challenges though, it also taught me very important lessons....and reminded me of a couple I might have forgotten. Each difficulty that this year brought my way taught me something new just when I thought it would break me. I was reminded of the importance of patience, endurance and faith, having to deal with waiting for what seemed like an eternity for certain things I hoped for to manifest. I learnt to see the best in the people but not necessarily expect the most from them, especially after being disappointed quite a few times, consequently having to seriously question my decision to trust certain people. But then, we're all human and mistakes are simply inevitable, right?

It's a really painful thing to realise how much something, or indeed someone, means to you only after you've lost them. Fortunately I was reminded of that, to appreciate the good people and things in my life as best as I could while I could, to try to change situations I could and make the best of those I couldn't, and to strive for happiness as much and as often as possible. Happiness, they say, is a choice, not so?

But 2013 didn't just teach me happiness, it brought it right to my very doorstep! I met some of the most beautiful and amazing people ever this year, and strengthened the bonds I already had forged with others from previous years. Acquaintances became friends, friends became brothers, and brothers became...well, bigger brothers. Hehe! I felt loved this year, more loved than I've ever felt before, and it felt good. Scratch that; it felt great! I'm really grateful for the joy and gladness God brought me through the people around me this year. You already know yourselves, each and everyone of you. I owe everyone who made out time to share my special moments, and my family's, with me in one way or the other. Precious, indeed, are such special memories of special events with special people in them. Wouldn't trade them for the world.

I'm even more indebted to those who were there when I was at my lowest, especially when I was ill, who made all sorts of sacrifices, prayed for me, visited, called, texted, flashed and even sent telepathic messages. (Hehe. Surprised?) Your company made the long walks on the roads to recovery much less lonely. I was probably the most pleasantly surprised by those who called after months and even years of being incommunicado just to see if I was “still breathing" and those who woke me up and bid me goodnight daily with calls, texts and flashes...till they eventually got tired.

Did I forget those who kept me company from time to time during those periods when the boredom became utterly unbearable? There were even those who I didn't communicate with all through the year who still inspired me in one way or the other. Somehow every single one of these things put a smile on my face...a really big one. Who do I have to thank but you?

Despite the fact that I was faced with challenges and difficulties this year, 2013 has been, without a doubt, my most beautiful year yet. God was faithful beyond my wildest imaginations, leading me through each day with grace more than sufficient to leave me with a smile at bedtime each night. I had the best team a man could ever ask for with me this year; a super-steadfast God, a very supportive family and the very best of friends. You've all been a great source of encouragement. I'm so tempted right now to go ahead and mention names even though it'll mean typing till Valentine's Day, but I wouldn't want to be held responsible for your kidnapping. You never can tell who's reading this at this very moment, hehe.

The truth is, if you're reading this right now please smile, because whether you realize it or not, you've played a part in making my 2013 the year it's been, and I'm really grateful. I hope you'll be able to play an even bigger role in shaping my 2014 and I earnestly pray God grants me the grace to be a significant part of yours. Oh! And just in case I wasn't the friend you hoped I'd be this year, next year'll be better, I promise. Thanks for making my 2013 spectacular!

PS: I really couldn't make any new year resolutions. Mind if we share?  :D