The year 2015 was a great year for me (see photos here). There were good times and bad time, up and downs, which made it all the more exciting and a year to appreciate.
2013 was more eventful than 2014, and 2014 was likewise more eventful than 2015. But I consider both 2013 and 2014 as warm ups to 2016, because I realized the kind of life that I want to live henceforth. Actually, the 9 years I spent in Cyprus was a glimpse of the kind of life that I want for myself.
So when I think back at the year 2015, there were 5 things I learned during the year, that are worth writing about. Enjoy…
1. If you’re trying so hard to fit in somewhere, consider that perhaps you really do belong elsewhere
I learned this one from the animated movie “Oops, Noah is Gone!”. According to the movie, certain animals were not allowed on Noah’s ark. Now, for just about the entire length of the movie, some “rejects” tried to get on the ark until all efforts failed. Eventually, they accepted their fates, that is, drowning to death!
It was only then that they realized why they never belonged on the ark in the first place: they could swim! The other “rejects” too could either swim or fly. So what is the lesson here? Sometime we try so hard to fit in somewhere, whereas we actually belong somewhere else.
2. Irrespective of what happens to us in life, God remains who He is
Another quite interesting lesson I learned is that, the circumstances we face in life does not in any way reflect who God is (or isn’t). Good stuff happen to bad people and bad stuff happen to bad people. But does that then mean that God is no longer God (that is, good, kind, loving, and so on)? Of course it doesn’t.
Remember Job’s story? Even God said he was perfect in all the earth (or something like that) and yet, look at what befell him. Did it then mean that God was no longer a caring father? Of course not! So whatever happens in life (good or bad), God remains who He is. And so, we should always be thankful because it all fits into his plan.
3. As Christians, we need not fear death
They say every religion has some version of “life after death” to help people cope with their mortality. But when people on their death beds wish to choose or change religion, they often pick Christianity. Although Jesus Christ did not come to start a new religion, but have you ever wondered why? Why do most people choose Christianity?
That is beside the point though, because the bible says we should not fear those who can kill the mortal body. Rather we should fear He (God) who can kill the body, spirit and soul… that is who we should fear! Even still, most Christians do fear death because they know the kind of lives they live (I need not comment further on that).
I have always had a weird opinion and feeling about death. I was suicidal as a teenager, even though I understood death at an early age. Even at one time, Apostle Paul’s famous quote “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” started to resonate with me.
There is so much that I wish to do in life but if death comes to me before I can, who am I to decide against what God has allowed to happen?
4. Just because something has to be said, doesn’t mean it has to be heard
What I’m trying to say here is this: it is not everything we have to say. You may be thinking something at heart, but sometimes it is best for it to remain as a thought. Do not verbalize it. But what should we or shouldn’t we verbalized?
It is not nice to compare people unfairly. But, comparisons in life are inevitable. However, should you find yourself unfairly comparing people, it is best not to say it out.
If you make a sacrifice for someone, you should not have to tell them what it cost you or how “lucky” they are. If you do, then it would just be a favor, no longer a sacrifice.
Sometimes our emotions push us to react and say something. Sometimes it is better to keep quiet, especially when what you want to say is not nice. Need I continue?
5. You have little control over what people think of you
This is one of my favorites. I have known this almost all my life, but I got reminded again in a vivid way. This is now something I should not forget in a hurry.
We have little control over what people think of us, so whatever opinions people choose to form of us is really not our business. Those who know you, they know you already. Some who don’t, will take the time to know you for who you are. Others will just make stuff up about you in their heads, and stick with it.
Still, you have little control over their opinions about you. You would be much happier not even knowing what some people think about you. You would be much happier not bothering (should in case you get to know) what they think about you. It is really none of your business.
So there you have it. The 5 things that I learned in 2015. But life is a life-long lesson, and we learn things every day. These are not the only things I learned last year, of course, but they are worth sharing.
What did you learn in 2015?
Please share in the comment section below. Thank you