Grateful, Even Here

A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with my aunt, and she said something that lingered in my heart.
She said, “2025 may not have been a great year for you, but I’m sure there are still some good things that happened—things you’re grateful for.”

At first, I almost dismissed it.
Honestly, I didn’t feel like thinking about gratitude. When I finally sat down and tried to list what I was thankful for, it took longer than I expected—and that made me sad. Not because nothing good had happened, but because there were good things I had almost overlooked.

That moment reminded me that it’s easy to focus so much on what went wrong that we miss what went right.
The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Not because everything is good—but because God is still present even here.

Five Things I Am Grateful for This Year

1. My Graduation
   After finishing my studies in 2022, I didn’t think I would be able to physically attend my graduation; I had settled for just getting my degree couriered. So many obstacles came up, and I eventually let that dream go. But this year, I travelled and walked across that stage.
   “But God… makes a way.” — Isaiah 43:19 (paraphrased)
   
2. Provision Through Health Challenges
   I got sick a little more often this year, which was frustrating. But I had medical cover through my job and didn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. In moments of weakness, God still provided.
   
3. Protection Over Loved Ones
   My family, friends, and loved ones were protected and are healthy. That alone is something I never want to take for granted.
   “The Lord bless you and keep you.” — Numbers 6:24
   
4. Love and Partnership
   I have a loving partner, and this year we were able to work toward goals we talked about since we met a few years back. It was an answered prayer after some setbacks.

5. Finding My Way Back to God
   After feeling discouraged for a long time after what felt like so many unanswered prayers, I intentionally began rebuilding my relationship with God. I haven’t been perfect, but it’s a work in progress.
   “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
   

Lastly, I’m so grateful that I was able to revive my blog and start writing again. After years had gone by, I found the courage to begin once more. And I’m grateful that you are here right now—reading this, being encouraged, and walking this journey with me.

I’m sharing this because it’s so easy to let disappointment cloud our perspective. When we only focus on what went wrong, bitterness quietly grows.

After that conversation with my aunt, I started asking others the same question:
“What are you grateful for this year even if it may not have been the best?”

At first, many struggled to answer—and I understand why. You might be thinking, “You don’t know what I went through.” I thought that too. But as I listed what I was grateful for, something shifted. I began to release the anger I was holding toward the year. My heart felt lighter.
“But God restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:3

Maybe 2025 wasn’t kind to you.
Or maybe it was actually a good year—and if so, I’m truly happy for you.

I encourage you to end the year with thanksgiving.
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” — Psalm 100:4

A Gentle Challenge

I challenge you to write down five things you are grateful for from this year—no matter how small they seem.
May you walk into 2026 with hope, even if 2025 didn’t look the way you imagined.

I may not be where I thought I’d be.
This year may not have gone the way I planned.
But God met me here.

Grateful—not because everything was easy,
but because God was faithful.
Grateful—even here.

I wish you a Happy New Year.
I pray that 2026 exceeds your expectations, that God meets you where you are, and that He surprises you with goodness beyond what you imagined.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” — Ephesians 3:20

🤍