I was trying to apply my foundation while wearing a white shirt; I should have been focusing but I wasn’t. I was thinking of what I was getting ready for- the memorial service of an old schoolmate. A part of me did not want to go because I thought the event would be too difficult to sit through. Yet, another part of me was keen on going for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to honour the life of the deceased who allowed God’s light to shine through her in the 18 years that she lived. Secondly, I think it’s important to listen to sermons that remind us of our mortality usually amplified at such occasions. At some point during the service, a close friend of the deceased delivered a light-hearted tribute to her that actually got a crowd of mourners laughing. I do not remember much of the eulogy but I recall what inspired this article. She talked about how the deceased, who had been in Uni in England at the time, would return home to Lagos, Nigeria in December and organise a Christian fellowship for young people. I was touched because I know December in Lagos is a period of never-ending events, many of which are not related to God. The fact that an 18 year old took the initiative to gather youth for the sake of God amidst the festivities moved me. Despite being a person of faith, I know I get distracted during this season and forget to spend time with God.

I returned home days ago and I was on a flight that made me reflect further on this topic. Towards our descent into Lagos, the pilot announced that he was unable to land due to poor weather and as a result, the flight was diverted. Speaking to my dad after, I discovered that flight diversions are common. Yet, I was oblivious to this fact while I was on the plane so I was very afraid. I had been looking forward to living my best life in Lagos, but while I was on the plane, that did not matter. God became my sole focus in that time, as I was reading Bible verses, holding on to my Rosary and praying for peace. “Once you are back home safe and sound by God’s Grace, would you hold on to God with the same level of attention and devotion?” This question came to me and honestly, I could not answer in the affirmative.

It is very easy to only remember God when there is a challenge or a need. It’s easy to get carried away with responsibilities or happenings in our lives that we forget to allocate time to God. We talk about our desire to get closer to God but do we take action towards achieving that goal? For any relationship to be functional, effort is required and this notion applies to our relationship with God. I hope that this year, God gives you the grace to draw closer to Him. I hope you find some time everyday to talk to God, worship and read God’s word. I hope you remember God this year, not just for what He can do for you but for who He is to you: confidant, friend, companion-someone you can walk hand in hand with.

Prayer Request: Today, we’re praying for everyone who is desiring to start, improve or maintain a relationship with God. May God grant them the desires of their heart.

Bible Verse: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”-Matthew 6:33

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