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The Future

The Future

What Are You Doing Now for The Future to Prevent Tomorrow’s Regrets?

“The Future” is an article designed to teach us the significance of contemplating and existing in the future at the current moment. It guides us on how to be part of the future, why we should strive to be there, and the importance of such an endeavor. The article introduces a valuable technique that can help you view current challenges as historical events, potentially enhancing your confidence and positivity in unprecedented ways. But what exactly is the future?

WHAT IS THE FUTURE?

This concept refers to the moments that follow the present. It encompasses the next minute, second, or even microsecond. Typically, today is considered the present, while tomorrow and beyond are viewed as the future. Yesterday is invariably the past. In this article, however, anything beyond the current moment is considered the future.

We can only speculate about it since the future is unknown to us. A minute is a small unit of time, and a second is even smaller, composed of microseconds that are too rapid to be noticed in conventional timekeeping.

The focus of this article is on such a future and how to live in it as though it has already arrived. Sometimes, I regard my entire life as if it were already over, as time swiftly passes by. Tomorrow turns into today, which then becomes yesterday. Adopting a future-oriented perspective prompts me to ponder questions of significant personal importance, some of which we will explore in this article.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

HOW TO BE IN THE FUTURE IN THE PRESENT?

How can we live in the future while existing in the present? It’s because our minds can journey not just to the imminent future but also to the eternal one. We’ll explore this concept in the next article, ‘Eternity.’ Since we can envision it, we can lead a fulfilling life in the here and now. As you read this, you can imagine what will occur after you’ve finished.

We can inhabit the future only in our thoughts, not physically, until it becomes our present reality. If we’re still around, we’ll experience it. This foresight is what drives us to devise and implement plans. It prompted me to write this article on Sunday, January 17, 2021, with the intention of publishing it on December 20, 2021. Isn’t it remarkable that I was living in that future moment?

If you’re reading this on my website, you’re aware that I was in this present moment in the past as I composed these words. This is an illustration of how we can exist in the future at this instant. It implies that we can envision that future and act upon it, even though the future remains uncertain.

It signifies our faith in someone who governs the future, and that entity is not us, but God. We may not know or influence events in that realm, but God orchestrates them through supernatural means, utilizing natural laws and instruments. It’s been said, “If you can imagine it, we can create it,” offering another perspective on the future. Our thoughts, speech, and deeds regarding that future are telling. They demonstrate how we live in anticipation of a promising future: through our mindset, expressions, and actions.

WHY DO WE WANT TO BE IN THE FUTURE IN THE PRESENT?

Is there any clear reason why we should embody or live out the future in the present moment? Indeed, there are numerous reasons, and these reasons are significant, as we will explore. Envisioning a better future in the present involves planning to improve ourselves, our careers, and our callings.

I have been reminded that a career is what one does for remuneration, whereas a calling is what one lives for. The distinction between these two concepts is clear to me. My discussions have often centered on careers rather than callings. However, I believe it is my calling to share my experiences and knowledge, with the hope and trust that it will be beneficial to you in some way.

Looking towards the future can inform how we shape our present, influenced by our perspective. Viewing the future with regret can taint the present with discomfort and remorse. Yet, the future remains a mystery, particularly to those lacking hope and faith. Belief in God’s plan for us is a comfort, as He holds the future.

Desiring a future without conscious thought is a natural inclination. This underscores another vital reason to live that future life in the now. However, I propose that it is wiser to consciously aspire to a good life rather than exist without purpose. We can learn to inhabit our future in the immediate present.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE?

The future holds great importance for me; otherwise, I wouldn’t have written this article. It was penned 12 months before publication. Did I know for certain it would be published? I did not, yet I envisioned the future as if it had already unfolded. This underscores the significance of perceiving the future as the present.

The future is unknown, and perhaps it’s best that way. However, I am certain it will unfold. It might be the future of my life or extend far beyond my time. This certainty fuels my writing career, my vocation. I write to impart the life experiences and knowledge I’ve gathered, each in my distinctive style. Writing is my chosen method to share my life and reflections with you.

Viewing life through the lens of the past, we recognize what we should do in the present to minimize future regrets. This, I believe, is life’s purpose, or at least, it provides a sense of purpose. Aware that life will end, I live with this consciousness in the present moment. This perspective is crucial as it prompts me to act as if my deeds are already part of the past.

MY FINAL WORDS

Reflecting on living in the future and the present moment holds significant meaning. It involves summarizing our past and present experiences. It’s about looking back at our lives and considering what we might have done differently if we had the chance to start over on earth.

Living more than once is a profound concept, central to human philosophy and religion. It’s the experience of living as though we’re leading a good life.

Consider your current life from the perspective of your future self. What actions might you regret tomorrow? What steps can you take to rectify them? Is it possible to cease these actions completely? By doing so, you can assess your past and present by imagining living in the future.

I hope this article has been beneficial in some way. Please feel free to share your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. Your time and feedback are greatly valued. I also extend my best wishes to you and your loved ones during and beyond the global pandemic. Shalom!

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The Present: How to Be In the Here and Now

What Are You Doing in The Present That You Will Regret Tomorrow?

“The Present” is an article designed to guide us in examining our current lives, understanding the significance of living in the moment, and learning how to fully engage with it. It explains why it’s crucial to be present and offers a method to help overcome profound fears and significantly lower stress.

WHAT IS THE PRESENT?

The present signifies the here and now. It’s about living in the moment, not dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. It involves concentrating on current events, people, places, and objects. For instance, consider what you are doing at this moment and give it your full attention. It’s not concerned with past actions or future plans, but with your immediate actions.

The present encompasses not just actions but also thoughts and words. What are you contemplating right now? What are you communicating to yourself or others at this moment? That is the essence of the present. It’s about embracing the now, rather than the past or the future. This doesn’t imply that the past is irrelevant; rather, it suggests that your current focus should be on the present.

It’s widely acknowledged that thoughts, words, and deeds are integral parts of our being, each with a past, present, and future. However, this discussion is centered on the present—our current thoughts, words, and actions. Initially, remaining present-minded may be challenging, but with practice, it becomes more manageable, and with each attempt, it gets easier.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

HOW TO BE IN THE PRESENT?

The tendency to dwell on the past or anticipate the future, rather than concentrating on the present, is a common challenge. However, there are various methods and techniques to help us focus on the here and now. These methods vary from person to person. I will share my approach with you and am eager to hear your thoughts at the end of this article.

Choosing to be in the here and now is an intentional act, as we often naturally reflect on our past. It’s infrequent that we ponder the uncertain future. Many people live in the past every single day. The stories we recount are all set in the past. Even today will soon become yesterday, right? The present remains unseen until it has passed, which I believe is a reason for our regrets.

By dedicating sufficient time to the present, we can make better decisions in the moment, leading to fewer regrets in the future. This underscores the importance of increasingly focusing on the here and now to prevent regrets.

While this focus may sometimes occur spontaneously, I consciously choose to think about the present. I believe this is the first step in any technique. I achieve this by seeking solitude in a quiet place, like a nearby bush or forest. As I wander, I concentrate on what I observe in the current moment.

Occasionally, while in Nairobi, I retreat to my room to contemplate the present moment. This may involve observing my reflection in a mirror or gazing out at the cityscape, taking in the sights of houses, birds, people, and animals. By doing so, I anchor myself in the present, aligning my thoughts, words, and actions with the immediate reality.

Yet, this does not prevent the mind from drifting across time, revisiting the past, pondering the present, and projecting into the future. Looking at Nairobi’s skyline often prompts me to wonder, “How long until Juba resembles this?” At that moment, my thoughts are no longer anchored in the present but have traveled back to my home capital.

Even as I pen these words, my mind is not consistently fixed on the now. The human mind is a complex, almost spiritual entity, capable of existing in several temporal dimensions simultaneously. So, is it truly impossible to remain in the present? The answer is both yes and no. It is feasible to live in the moment, but it requires deliberate effort. Despite our intentions, we may find ourselves oscillating between past, future, and present. We can achieve momentary presence by concentrating on ourselves, others, objects, events, and the specific locations we inhabit.

WHY TO BE IN THE PRESENT?

The purpose of existing in the here and now is to move beyond a troubled past. It involves focusing on the present, a time not yet marred by negative memories, and taking action to avoid future regrets.

Yet, merely concentrating on the present is futile without faith in a being who governs the past, present, and future—God. Regardless of belief, God’s sovereignty is a stark reality. Our gaze should not be inward but upward, trusting in God’s guidance of our current existence.

Living in the moment and seeking divine assistance to excel are the optimal ways to remain purposeful in the present. This purpose stems from the belief that life has meaning. Abandoning the present renders the future bleak, placing our hope and trust in divine providence.

Our reliance on God is not merely to gain favor or protection; it is intrinsic to our nature. We acknowledge that God crafted our lives and comprehends us more profoundly than we or others could. Thus, even our immediate existence is under divine care, with the future remaining uncertain.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IN THE PRESENT?

Contemplating the ‘here and now’ is indeed significant. Focusing on the present aids in prioritizing current matters. Multitasking is generally unhealthy and not advisable, despite our minds wandering. Concentrating on the present is crucial.

Being present enhances self-understanding. It allows introspection from a current standpoint rather than past experiences or an uncertain future. Thus, the importance of the ‘here and now’ extends beyond what can be expressed here. Your thoughts on this are welcome in the comments below.

Concentrating on the present reveals our progress and the journey ahead, despite being unaware of future events. This practice instills confidence in our existence and readiness to enhance our lives, minimizing future regrets.

Focusing on the present fosters self-appreciation, gratitude for others, and contentment with our abilities, identities, and possessions. It enables us to value our current location and accessible resources.

FINAL WORDS

Consider what is before you at this moment. It may be what your eyes physically see, or it could be a vision in your mind. What is within your reach right now? It might be an object, a location, a notion, or something tangible. Who is in your presence? Perhaps it’s a stranger, a friend, a coworker, or a family member.

As you observe your current surroundings, pause to reflect on the present. In this moment of mindfulness, express gratitude to God for everything around you, whether beneficial or challenging. If you find yourself in peril, seek God’s deliverance. Should you be entangled in a harmful relationship, it’s imperative to extricate yourself immediately. I have faith that God will heed your prayers if they align with His divine plan, as He did for me when I faced perilous situations.

God’s intervention was a miraculous escape for me. He is capable of doing the same for you if you ask Him, believing in His power to act. I hope this article, “The Present,” has been of personal benefit to you. If so, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback is greatly valued and will help enhance this and future articles. Wishing you and your loved ones safety and peace during and beyond the global pandemic. Shalom!

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The Past: How to Be in the There and the Then

The Past

What Have You Done in The Past That Makes You Regret Today?

6th December 2021

“The Past” is an article crafted to guide us in reflecting on our history, understanding its significance, and learning why and how we should revisit it. This piece invites you to delve into the past to glean insights that are crucial for our present and future. With this introduction, let’s delve deeper into the article that follows.

WHAT IS THE PAST?

This article delves into the myriad aspects of our past: the people we’ve met, the events we’ve experienced, the places we’ve visited, and the objects we’ve encountered. It encourages a reflective approach to these past elements. Often, our retrospection is tinged with regret over poor decisions, but this shouldn’t be the sole perspective we adopt when looking back. It’s not to say that regret is unnecessary; it’s a vital part of learning, aiding in the betterment of our present and future choices. Yet, commonly, our regrets revolve around decisions like marriage. Dwelling on unchangeable aspects only leads to distress.

Here, we revisit the past to recall and express gratitude for our experiences, akin to a recapitulation of five preceding articles on giving thanks for the past. It’s beneficial to show appreciation for the individuals who’ve shaped our lives. But what about the events, places, and items? Shouldn’t we also be grateful for everything, whether positive or negative?

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

HOW DO WE REFLECT ON THE PAST?

Typically, our memories of the past are triggered by something. However, we can also choose to reflect on the past deliberately. This involves sitting quietly and focusing solely on our past, with the intention of finding reasons to be thankful for each aspect of it.

We often reflect on our past, but sometimes in a negative light. Not everyone feels gratitude for their past, present, or future. Nonetheless, I believe it is beneficial to be thankful. It must be acknowledged that humans are not all the same; some naturally tend to focus only on the negative aspects of their past. Yet, life has both positive and negative sides.

Some of us believe that life is not solely composed of misfortune but is a blend of both good and bad. There’s even a neutral aspect to life, suggesting that there are three dimensions to it. Those who can view life from this perspective tend to live more effortlessly. They are the ones who naturally feel gratitude for their past.

This means that if you naturally fall into this category of people, I don’t need to instruct you to be thankful for your past; it’s already a part of who you are. It appears that even animals naturally fall into similar categories.

We are naturally grateful because it is inherent in our being. Alternatively, one can learn the value of reflecting on the past with gratitude. It’s also possible to cultivate traits in someone that they were not born with, which is why bad company is said to corrupt good morals. Conversely, I believe good company can also reform poor character, don’t you think?

WHY DO WE REFLECT ON THE PAST?

We reflect on our past for a myriad of reasons, both positive and negative, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Reflection often leads us to rue past choices and hesitations, yet this too is a normal facet of being human. There’s nothing we can pen, utter, or enact that will alter what has been. Nonetheless, reflection also allows us to find gratitude, and this is the essence of my message to you.

My reflections on the past primarily serve to acknowledge how far I’ve been brought by divine grace: my Ebenezer. As I consider the various events, individuals, locales, and objects, both joyous and challenging, I find myself compelled to smile and express gratitude. Many have not survived to see this day. Does this imply I am superior to those from my past?

The straightforward response is an emphatic NO. I might well be the most flawed among us. Yet, it is through divine mercy that I stand here today, writing and educating on this very topic: life holds meaning because it was bestowed by another. In my view, genuine gratitude stems from our reliance and faith in the Creator. Recognizing our lack of control, we place our trust in the divine, and for this, we are thankful.

We don’t give thanks to God as a means to appease or please Him; rather, we do so with a sincere heart because it is indeed right to be thankful. This sincerity often stems more from our nature than our upbringing. You might be reading this and questioning why you should feel grateful for the difficult past you’ve endured, which may even feel like a living hell.

Let me share that my life story is not so different, and it might even be considered worse in comparison. Imagine being born in a remote village in Sudan amidst the second and longest African civil war. There were no schools to attend until I reached my teenage years. However, this didn’t stop me from learning to read and write in any human language.

With no clinic in the village and a lack of modern medicine, many of my older siblings succumbed to illnesses that are treatable in other parts of the world. These experiences inspired me to write my first novel, “Life Cure.” I was the youngest of nine children, and today, I am the only one left to share our story. Surely, I have every reason to be thankful for my past, don’t I?

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF REFLECTING ON THE PAST?

It’s crucial to express gratitude when reflecting on the past, doing so freely, without any pressure. It’s beneficial to examine our past experiences to find reasons for thankfulness, as discussed in this and previous articles. When looking back, it’s essential to consider every aspect of our history, acknowledging both the good and the bad.

The neutral elements of our past also play a role. By seeing things as they truly are, we can better manage our current and future lives. This comprehensive perspective helps us approach life with ease. Our partners, too, can be seen as either a curse or a blessing, depending on our viewpoint. As the saying goes, “It’s not about how we look at them, but who they are,” which sometimes requires contemplation.

Every household has its troubles. My father would say, “Every family has its secrets,” and I’ve come to understand his words. No human is purely good; some are just better than others. Yet, being better doesn’t mean one is without challenges or issues. In every society, there are the proverbial Cains and Abels, and we, the Abels, often endure hardships. Nonetheless, we should remain grateful for the opportunity to share our stories.

MY FINAL WORDS

Reflecting on our past is crucial; it involves understanding its significance, learning how to do it, and recognizing why it’s done. Through reflection, healing may occur. Experiencing a breakdown isn’t necessarily negative, as it can be a vital step in confronting past experiences. My consistent advice is to discover and enhance your true self, which is the essence of a meaningful life, free from strictures.

I hope this article on The Past has been beneficial for you. If it has, I invite you to share your insights in the comments section below. Your feedback is valuable as it helps improve this article or shape future ones on similar topics. Feel free to suggest new topics as well. I wish for your safety and protection during and beyond the global pandemic. Peace be with you.

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Thanksgiving for Places and Things: A Reflection on the Past

Thanksgiving for Places and Things

Thanksgiving for Places and Things Is the Importance of Places and Things in Our Past

Thanksgiving for Places and Things is an article designed to guide us in understanding the significance of expressing gratitude to God for the places we’ve been permitted to visit and the sights we’ve encountered. It delves into the methods of giving thanks, the reasons behind it, and the value of acknowledging the places and things from our past. The article aims to enhance our learning from these experiences and to reflect on how they have shaped our present selves. Now, let’s proceed to examine the entire article.

WHAT IS THANKSGIVING FOR PLACES AND THINGS?

This signifies expressing gratitude to God for the places and entities He has allowed us to encounter in the past. These places I’ve visited encompass various elements such as birds, animals, fish, plants, insects, reptiles, trees, snails, grass, and all that is non-human. While humans are categorized as animals, the Creator views us differently. However, natural science, examining our physical aspects, deems us akin to other animals.

In a previous article, I expressed thankfulness for people and events. This article, however, concentrates on the places and their contents. It’s about appreciating the locales we’ve visited throughout our lives on Earth and their inhabitants. It’s challenging to recall every place we’ve been, and even more so, all that we’ve observed there.

Yet, even if we can’t recollect every location and its contents, we should be thankful for them since they contribute to our environment and, consequently, to our current existence. Indeed, our past is as crucial as our future, shaping our present. Without history, we are without identity. Africa has a rich history, existing long before outsiders arrived, complete with its own leadership, religion, technology, and ethics.

With the intent of this article clarified, we shall explore ways to express gratitude for the places and sights of our past. I acknowledge that this article isn’t comprehensive on the subject. There are likely other articles with more information, but I will include all that I can recall regarding this theme of thanksgiving.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

HOW DO WE GIVE THANKS FOR PLACES AND THINGS?

Indeed, we can express this through both words and actions. Singing is one of the finest ways to demonstrate our gratitude for the past. Writing about the places and experiences we’ve encountered is another method to show appreciation, though it is limited to those who can read and write in any human language. For many who cannot read or write, speaking or singing remains the best means to convey their happiness and gratitude for the past.

I can assure you that many have, are, and will continue to do this, consciously or not. People are profoundly grateful in their lives and express it in their unique ways. This is a universal phenomenon across all human cultures and tribes. Despite the negative or even harmful events of the past, we invariably find reasons to be thankful for our past experiences.

Reflecting on the places and events of the past, I am filled with nothing but gratitude to God for allowing it all to unfold. The past is history. Indeed, this article became history the moment it was written, before I even pressed the publish button. It becomes history the moment you finish reading it. Life itself is history in the making, for today is yesterday’s tomorrow, and tomorrow is today unfolding.

WHY DO WE GIVE THANKS FOR PLACES AND THINGS?

We express gratitude for the past, particularly for familiar places and objects. This act of thanksgiving often comes naturally, without needing specific reasons for our gratitude. There are countless reasons to give thanks to God for the places we’ve been and the things within them.

Thanksgiving is beneficial for those who practice it; it’s a positive habit to develop and practice, even if it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. God appreciates our gratitude, as do others. Thanking God for places implies gratitude for the opportunity to have visited them.

In giving thanks to God, we find ourselves filled with joy, hope, and peace. It’s a positive state that wards off depression, even for seemingly trivial things. While some may find it odd to be thankful for the places and things we’ve experienced, especially if their memories are tainted by negative associations, gratitude isn’t about past luxuries or a good life. The past, like the present and future, is a blend of both good and bad. My reason for giving thanks is simple: it feels right and benefits my soul.

Feeling grateful for past experiences and locations gives me a sense of accomplishment. That’s why I fondly recall places like Mayom, Nasir, Kuich, Kiech, Mataar, Lual, Nyandiing, Torkiel, Barmach, among others.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THANKSGIVING FOR PLACES AND THINGS?

Being thankful is crucial to me as it fills me with joy and hope for my future. Reflecting on all the places I’ve been reminds me of how far I’ve come in life. It’s like watching my life story unfold. Those places have likely changed over time, just as I have changed since those early days. It’s astonishing to think that I can recall places from when I was merely 3 years old, and now I’m approaching 37. Such a remarkable transformation!

This notion of change is intriguing and worthy of gratitude. I am profoundly thankful to God for granting me a long life. I’ve survived many of my peers, which I attribute to God’s grace, giving me ample reason to express my thanks. I cannot speak for those who have passed, but I believe they were no less significant than I am. Perhaps they are grateful for their shorter lives, not having witnessed what I have since they departed.

If death is indeed akin to a profound sleep, then it represents a state of rest and tranquility. Eventually, we will all discover its true nature when our time comes. However, while we are alive, we understand the value of the present and the importance of gratitude. My thankfulness for the past isn’t just to please God; it’s an integral part of who I am. I remember and give thanks for my past experiences as a personal practice. While the places I’ve visited may not perceive my gratitude, God does.

The sights I’ve beheld in those places may not express gratitude for my thankfulness, but God acknowledges it. Therefore, it’s essential to be thankful because, at the very least, someone takes notice and may bestow blessings upon us in His timing.

FINAL WORDS

We’ve explored the significance of gratitude towards God for the places and experiences we’ve encountered in the past. We’ve examined how and why we should be thankful, as well as the importance of gratitude. Now, it’s your opportunity to reflect on the key takeaways from this article and apply them to your life.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to be grateful for the places and experiences from your past? Was this a new concept for you before reading this article? I hope the article ‘Thanksgiving for Places and Things’ has been meaningful to you. If so, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Your feedback is highly valued. It will aid me in improving my future articles, so I encourage you to express your opinions. Additionally, I pray for your safety and protection throughout and beyond the current global pandemic. Peace be with you!

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Thanksgiving for People and Events: A Reflection on People and History

Thanksgiving for People and Events

Thanksgiving for People and Events Is the Importance of History and the People in Our Past

Thanksgiving for People and Events is an article designed to deepen our comprehension of gratitude. It explores the significance of being thankful for the individuals we’ve encountered and the events we’ve experienced, detailing how and why we should express thankfulness, as well as the value of giving thanks for people and historical events in our lives.

WHAT IS THANKSGIVING FOR THE PEOPLE AND EVENTS?

Being grateful involves appreciating the people and events from our past. Not all these individuals may have been kind to us, but their presence in our lives is acknowledged. The events might not have been pleasant, but we have survived them and are here to express gratitude. Even if some memories are painful, we have ample reasons to be thankful for each experience. Everything that occurred did so for a reason, and even if there was no reason, it’s now in the past, correct?

Thanksgiving can be expressed for individuals and events, and also to God, who enables all things in our personal lives. This act of gratitude is personal, not collective. We perform it individually, acknowledging that it’s not possible to personally thank everyone we’ve met. Therefore, we often give thanks in our hearts, particularly for those we cannot meet again, perhaps because they have passed away or live far from us.

It’s heartbreaking to think that many of my childhood friends are now far away, if they are still alive at all. It’s a sad reality that many of my peers, those I’ve known personally since the 1980s, have passed away for various reasons. Some lost their lives in revenge attacks by other community members, while others succumbed to illnesses and diseases. Some perished in the clashes between the government and opposition, which escalated into a politico-ethnic conflict within hours.

While I may not have the chance to encounter many individuals in this world, I am grateful for those I have met during my time on earth. It’s impossible to recall every person I’ve met since childhood by name, yet I can recount many, beginning with my parents, siblings, friends, and colleagues. This article is dedicated to expressing gratitude to God for the people who have graced our lives and the events that have unfolded. We won’t cover the topic exhaustively, but we will highlight the most significant aspects as you continue reading.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

HOW DO WE GIVE THANKS FOR THE PEOPLE AND EVENTS?

We can show gratitude to those we know, either individually or collectively, should we have the opportunity to meet them again. However, the core message of this article is that appreciation for these individuals and events can still be expressed, even if we are unable to encounter them in person once more on earth, for previously stated reasons. This means that our gratitude for these people and events can be reflected in our deeds and words.

We can utter words of thanks for the people from our past, and we can perform actions that demonstrate our deep appreciation for them, when possible. We can even write about our gratitude for these individuals, and I believe this article is simply my way of expressing my heartfelt thanks to my parents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, friends, colleagues, co-workers, and even to my adversaries from the past and present.

Although my parents and all my siblings have passed away, my gratitude for them endures. I never had the chance to meet or know most of my siblings, but I will always remember Abiel/Biel, my older brother, and Nyakueth, my older sister, because I had the privilege of knowing them personally.

I am deeply thankful for my late mother, Nyareth Deng Kong, and her nurturing love and care. She was a short, dark-skinned, wise, incredibly beautiful, and industrious African woman. Her wisdom and humor are unparalleled in my life. She truly was a gift to me, and her way of life contributed to shaping who I am, beyond the biological traits inherited from her and her ancestors.

Conversely, my father, Maluth/Tut, was a remarkable man whose legendary tales are still recounted among both the Gajaak and Gajook sections of the Nuer Jikany people in eastern South Sudan. A warrior and a diligent man, he stood tall, robust, and brown-skinned. Physically, I am nearly his spitting image. However, our mentalities diverge; I am not the warrior he was. Although I once killed a man-eating leopard in 2003, he had vanquished several before my birth.

Reflecting on my past, I can only offer gratitude to God and those defining moments. Each event has been significant, contributing to my identity beyond my innate nature and personality. These experiences have been a part of the nurturing that has molded my life.

Of course, some events were eventually deadly, such as when my cousin brother, Ruot shot me in the hand. But I can learn something positive from this event, can’t I?

Indeed, we can express gratitude for past events and the individuals involved in various ways, tailored to our circumstances and personal traits. As mentioned before, this can be done through both actions and words.

It is often said that actions speak louder than words, yet words hold immense power too. Although there is nothing I can do for my parents and siblings who have passed away, I can honor them through writing. The siblings I learned of were Nyater, Chamtuak, Gatluak, Nyakor, Nyawuor, Tungkuach (from another mother, Nyarek), and a brother who was miscarried before me. This means that the children born to Nyareth and Maluth, with me as the youngest, numbered nine in total, and now I am the sole survivor as I write this, following the death of Biel/Abiel in the Nasir battle of 1989, and Nyakueth’s subsequent passing in Madani/Khartoum, Sudan during my absence.

I divulge this information to illustrate my profound gratitude towards all my siblings.

WHY DO WE GIVE THANKS FOR THE PEOPLE AND EVENTS?

We express gratitude for people and events from the past to demonstrate our care for those who have been part of our lives, both historically and currently. Primarily, our gratitude is directed towards individuals we have already encountered.

Gratitude is a personal trait, inherent to an individual’s nature. It cannot be instilled in someone unless it is an innate part of their being. Being grateful is virtuous, and we should encourage others to adopt this practice as well.

In expressing thanks for others and past events, we simultaneously express gratitude to God, for it is He who has made all things possible. Offering thanks to God, through words or actions, is commendable. God cherishes a thankful heart and bestows blessings upon those who show genuine gratitude to Him and to others throughout their lives.

Having a grateful disposition is both commendable and spiritual, appreciating everything that has happened to us on a personal level. While gratitude may not come naturally to everyone, it is inherent in us, as previously stated. Our thankfulness stems not only from the belief that God merits it, but also from a genuine, innate sense of gratitude that is an integral part of who we are. We delight in expressing thanks because it aligns with our purpose—to show appreciation to people, events, and God, our Creator.

Reflecting on the reasons for our gratitude towards God, others, and past events is important. At times, I struggle to enumerate all the reasons, as I tend to write spontaneously without prior online research. Many consider this approach unorthodox, but it is my unique method. I prefer to articulate my existing knowledge before seeking external validation. It’s always reassuring to find that my thoughts resonate with information already available on the internet.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE PEOPLE AND EVENTS?

Is it truly important to express gratitude to God for the individuals and events He has permitted in our past? I believe it is, as previously explained. There are numerous reasons to be thankful, some of which may not be covered in this brief article. However, being grateful for people and past events is a way to demonstrate that we are neither mean nor selfish.

The essence of being grateful for people and events in our lives is not just the act itself, but doing it with joy and ease. Gratitude is not an obligation; it is a natural part of our existence, as I have repeatedly mentioned before.

Expressing thanks for the people and events in our lives holds great significance for us, for God, and for those to whom we are grateful. Consider gratitude for people and events as a means to show your care and appreciation, even if those individuals are no longer with us. It reflects the quality of our lives to the world around us. It also serves as a reminder of how others might be grateful to us and for us, regardless of our relationship to them. It leads me to ponder about those who may read this article long after I’m gone and what they will think of me. Will they feel gratitude?

MY FINAL WORDS

The article you’ve read discusses the significance of gratitude towards people and events from our past. There may be various ways to express thankfulness for these influences in our lives. You’ve also learned why it’s important to show gratitude. Now, consider what you’ve taken away from this article. Hopefully, you’ve gained a new insight or two and feel inspired to apply them. Remember, knowledge becomes powerful only when it’s applied.

You won’t gain any benefits from this article unless you take something from it and act on it. For instance, if you’re moved by the concept of expressing gratitude to those in your life, both living and deceased, then take the opportunity to thank them. Say, “Thank you for being a part of my life.” If they are alive, they may reciprocate your gratitude. It’s a mutual exchange. Even if they have passed away, it’s a common belief that the deceased can sense our gratitude, perhaps even more so than the living.

I hope the article ‘Thanksgiving for People and Events’ has been meaningful to you. Feel free to share your reflections in the comments section; your feedback is greatly valued. Your support and encouragement will aid in creating better content for future readers. May you and your loved ones be blessed and remain safe during and beyond the global pandemic. Peace be with you.

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