A M A R A C H IπŸ’



As I geared up to write, my brain had a funny argument. One side said, "Let's make this as long as a giraffe's neck!" The other side countered, "Nah, keep it short like a squirrel's attention span."

Guess what? I went with the "giraffe" side. So, hold onto your hats, folks, 'cause we're in for a long, tall tale.

After year that felt like my own version of "Titanium," marked by strength and resilience, I find myself here today, commemorating the passage of another 31,546,000 seconds of growing and changing. In this moment, I've come to the realization that life isn't about cultivating an unyielding, unbreakable persona, but rather, it's about embracing the art of adaptability, remaining open to change, and continually evolving.

As I lie here sprawled on the floor, this “room” encapsulates a serene sanctuary where the air conditioner hums contentedly, maintaining a soothing 23 degrees Celsius—almost as if it is the perfect metaphor for the elusive concept of balance and harmony. These ideal conditions create the perfect environment for things to grow and flourish. It's here that I've discovered a profound truth: it's okay not to have all the answers at every juncture of life's journey. It's not just okay; it's essential to embrace change, even if it takes the form of adjusting something as seemingly mundane as the room temperature. In this simple act, I am reminded that growth and comfort are not mutually exclusive; they can coexist harmoniously.

Here, the air seems to whisper stories of the past and dreams yet to unfold; the atmosphere is alive with possibilities, swirling gently around me like a comforting embrace. Armed with a notepad and pen in hand, I invite my thoughts to dance across the blank pages of my notebook. I immerse myself in a deep and profound reflection, akin to an artist delicately tracing the contours of a masterpiece. I am afforded the luxury of time to explore their intricate patterns and connections.

This “room”, with its perfect temperature and peaceful vibe, is like a special place to think. It's where the noise of the outside world fades away, and I can focus on what's inside me. It's a safe spot to pause and look back at all the steps I've taken on my journey of learning and growing.

As I lie here, enjoying the calm of this “room”, I am reminded that life's journey is not a linear path but a collection of moments, experiences, and choices. Each twist and turn, every change in temperature, represents an opportunity for growth, a chance to embrace the unknown with open arms.

Anyway, let's shift away from talking about the “room”. It's my birthday today, and it's a special day for me. I've started to realize the importance of the introductions in my writing (maybe a bit too much, to be honest). We've been stuck in this “room” at 23 degrees for a while now—pretty funny, right? So, here I am, beginning this new year in a “room” with a comfortable temperature. That's the simple version; don't stress me out, new year!

For quite a few years now, I've made it a tradition to have specific themes for my birthdays, a time to look back on the past and look ahead to the future. It might sound a bit quirky, but I always like to pick a theme for the occasion. It's my way of making the day even more meaningful.

Let me tell you, picking a theme can be quite a task. It's not exactly a chore, but it can get pretty darn tedious. This year, I had a whole bunch of ideas swirling around in my head, but eventually, I settled on something that really resonated with me: "A M A R A C H I"—and yes, those uppercase letters and spaces matter. Amarachi, as it turns out, means the grace of God.

So, why "A M A R A C H I"? Well, let me tell you, this past year has been a journey of growth and nurturing for me, and it's all thanks to God's grace. It has been all about discovering myself and understanding my passions, dreams, and aspirations. You see, I find solace in the fact that I have God's guidance and reassurance right at my fingertips, serving as a constant source of support. My identity is firmly rooted in Christ, and that has been a steady anchor. I've experienced a more profound and intimate connection with God this year than ever before, and I'm totally open to more of those incredible experiences. Also, I tried my hand at business and made a conscious effort to be more accessible to people. In a nutshell, I've been proactive in trying out new experiences. This is significant for me because, prior to this period, I struggled with stepping out of my zone. I'm grateful that I'm in the process of learning, growing, and becoming better at adapting. I must say, it has been nothing short of a transformative journey, much like a tree that stretches its roots deeper into the rich soil, seeking new sources of nourishment. Yeah, it's been quite a year, hasn't it?

As I move into the new year, I just want to kick back in the "room". I trust that God is looking out for me and knows what's coming in the future. It's like giving control to God and letting His grace guide me. This helps me feel at ease, almost like pushing a "chill" button in life. It helps me enjoy the journey without worrying too much about what's coming up. It's about living in the moment and not getting caught up in unnecessary worries that often masquerade as excessive planning.

Looking forward, I'm excited about all that God has intricately designed for me—all the opportunities, blessings, and lessons that await on this path. My deepest desire is to stay rooted in His will and aligned with His plan for my life, trusting that the chapters yet to be written will be more breathtaking and purposeful than those that have come before.

In the coming days, I pray for more of God’s help for me. I am never stranded. I stay in Joy. I am full of vitality and strength in all my days. I walk in the light of all God has for me. I am never in confusion about what to do or how to do it.

A M A R A C H I now, A M A R A C H I always. The grace of God has been with me, and it still is. This grace is evident in the amazing people who have come into my life—my family, my pastor, my local church, and even you, reading this.

My heart swells with gratitude. I’m grateful for the days gone by, carrying with them memories and lessons. Ah, my undergraduate odyssey—it was like a sitcom with a never-ending season finale! My final year had me hanging on for dear life, but hallelujah, I survived (yes, I'm a graduate now). And don't even get me started on those "soft life" days, the ones where you actually remember what a full night's sleep feels like—they were like a comfy couch in a sea of academic chaos. Grateful for insights! Grateful for words spoken over me! Grateful for wisdom! Grateful for family! Grateful for 'your eyes on the ball' moments! Grateful for the incredible people who have graced my life.! Grateful for 'we'll fix things' moments! Grateful for 'you're doing well' moments! Grateful for 'You have nothing to prove' moments! Grateful for the 'think about your life' moments! Grateful for the good days! Grateful for the 'not so' good days! Grateful for 'I am proud of you' moments! Grateful for what God is doing in you and through you!  Grateful for the “herdsman daysss” Grateful for the journey! Grateful for the days that are a bit of a blur, where I might not recall every detail, but they still hold value. I am grateful for the unwritten chapters of my life that are yet to unfold, waiting to be filled with adventure, love, and growth. For all the little great ways and many subtle ways you've grown, I'm grateful! 

Hold the phone! Oh, I can't believe I nearly forgot to give a massive shout-out to my ever-loyal buddies: plantains, beans, and puff-puff. These three musketeers of my culinary journey have been my trusty sidekicks through thick and thin, always ready to swoop in and save the day when my stomach was in distress. I do not take you for grantedπŸ˜‚

Witnessing the way God has been orchestrating my story this past year has been truly remarkable. It's like watching an intricate masterpiece slowly take shape, stroke by stroke. It's beautiful to see how His plan unfolds, guiding me toward greater purpose and fulfillment.

So far, so God. Beyond here, it will still be Him.

To more years in the Father’s will!

To more days of staying hydrated!

To more days working with accuracy and precision!

To light! To Direction! To Clarity!

To the only The Francis Bethel!

It gets better from here!

** masticates wine**πŸ˜‚

The Francis Bethel ❤️


 

 

 

 

 

 



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