2024
What a Year
Since 2006, I have kept a tradition of reflecting on the outgoing year and setting an outlook for the incoming one. However, this year feels different. For the first time, I feel unsure about what to write. Not because 2024 was uneventful—on the contrary, it was one of the most defining years of my life.
So much happened that often left me dazed. My hesitation stems from the routine of 2024, which makes tomorrow, January 1, 2025, feel like just another day, rather than the new slate and fresh start it truly is.
Yet, as the Spirit leads and my mind comprehends, I write.
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Reflections on 2024
At the dawn of 2024, I prayed for one thing: to see God's goodness reflected in everything that came with the year. Looking back, I can say with certainty that His goodness was ever-present, even during my highest highs and lowest lows.
Passing on of My Father
This year, my father completed his race and transitioned to eternity. I remember every detail leading up to that moment.
It started with a phone call telling me he wasn’t feeling well. Later, an early morning call confirmed his condition had worsened. I delayed answering that call, dreading the worst. When I finally mustered the courage, my mother’s tone said it all. We decided to take him to a hospital hours away as soon as daylight came.
I booked a flight for 10:30 a.m., joined the 6 a.m. prayer session by my local pastor, packed my bag, and headed to the airport. My sister, who had also cut her holiday short, was there with her toddler son. Together, we flew to our home state and went straight to the hospital.
The joy in my father’s eyes when he saw us now makes sense—he likely knew he was leaving us and was glad we rushed to be with him. Despite the severity of his condition, I had no inkling that these would be the last 24 hours I’d spend with him.
On August 10, at 6:24 a.m., my father took his final breath. It was peaceful, without struggle. I laid my hand on his chest—not to check for breath, but to thank Jesus for his life.
The Aftermath
Informing my siblings, arranging for his body to be moved to a morgue closer to home, and notifying extended family—how I survived these tasks, I cannot explain. Looking back, I see God’s strength carrying me through.
Later that evening, as I walked around the compound of my father’s house, the weight of the loss hit me. I cried deeply until I noticed the family guard dog, Halli, looking at me with what seemed like pity. Who would have thought that comfort in my deepest sorrow would come from a dog?
A Celebration of Life
My siblings and I resolved to celebrate our father’s legacy rather than host a mere funeral. This shared mission, despite our occasional disagreements, united us. Indeed, God turns ashes into beauty.
Interestingly, over a year before his passing, my father had pointed to a spot by the house and said it should be where he and my mother would be buried. I dismissed the conversation at the time, not realizing how prepared he was for this inevitable journey.
Dad, rest in eternity. You ran your race, did your best, and finished your course. Losing you is hard, but it has brought us strength, faith, courage, and wisdom.
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Other Highlights of 2024
Health and Fitness
From March to December, my fitness level improved significantly. Despite recurring gastric discomfort, I am grateful for the physical and health benefits achieved this year.
Financial Journey
I made, spent, and invested significant funds in 2024. While I stopped keeping precise accounts at some point, I ensured the money was used for meaningful purposes—home improvements for my father’s house, international travels, and more.
Travel
Two trips to the United States: New York and Boston in January, and Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Boston in November.
A trip to Ghana, fulfilling a long-held desire.
Family and Friends
My wife underwent another fibroid removal surgery. God saw her through, and I am thankful.
A close friend of over two decades took his own life. It remains shocking and heartbreaking. May God have mercy on his soul and comfort his family.
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2025: A Year of New Beginnings
I believe 2025 is a year of newness: new beginnings in my mind, body, soul, family, decisions, and experiences.
My Prayers for 2025
Safety: For my family, friends, and loved ones, in our homes and journeys, in all seasons, day and night.
Peace: God's peace that surpasses human understanding, erasing fear and restoring confidence and trust in Him.
Goodness: An unending manifestation of God’s goodness in my life.
Health: The miracle of a healthy body, complete healing, and functioning systems.
Fitness: The grace to strive for better physical fitness and health.
Restoration: Divine restoration in every area of my life.
Wisdom: The grace for precise and impactful decisions in all matters concerning my family, business, investments, and travels.
As 2025 unfolds, I trust God to make everything new. By the end of the year, may it all make sense, even if today it seems unclear.
In faith, through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I declare: 2025 is a year of new beginnings and newness.
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