By Byron L. Washington, Columnist
Thankful and Grateful
By Byron L. Washington, Columnist
The first time I heard the statement “Happy New Month” here in Nigeria, I was confused. It was October 2019, nothing new, just another month. Then I heard it the following month, and I realized that people said that every month. Now, I cannot say that this is for all of Nigeria, but I hear it at the beginning of every new month in the area that I live.
As we enter the later part of 2021 with so much happening globally, we should consider a few things. First, saying “Happy New Month” shows respect for the fact that life can be unexpected and fleeting like a “vapor.” It shows that nothing is promised. A new year is great, but being thankful for the months shows gratitude. The idea of giving thanks could not be truer, especially during the pandemic when a large number of people did not see a new year or new month in some cases.
The second is that “new” is always available to us. The Old Testament writer reminds us that God’s compassion does not fail; they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). The beginning of any month is a great time to set new goals, launch a business, or commit to growing spiritually. We don’t have to wait until January to start something new.
Third, it shows that it is ok to celebrate along the way. At the end of every month, many churches here in Nigeria have thanksgiving services, praising and thanking God for bringing them through the month, anticipating His continued protection, direction, and grace as they head into the next month. Friends, it is a great idea to celebrate along the way.
My brothers and sisters, we can all sit around and wait until January to celebrate. We can all wait until New Year’s Eve to give thanks and praise God for another year, or we can thank God as we journey through our year. I encourage you to be thankful not just for the years but also for the months, which are just as important. The world we live in can be an unpredictable place; why wait for a new year when at the beginning or end of a month, we can take a moment and tell God thank you for what He has done.
I have adopted the concept of being thankful for the months. I am thankful that I am in good health, grateful that my family is safe, and thankful for all the little things that God did in the month that I took for granted.
More grace to each of you, and I pray that when you enter into your next new month, you would say, “God, I thank you for a new month.” God bless and always be encouraged!
