The Wisdom of Gratitude
My father’s last lesson to me
My last two letters for 2024 (this one inclusive) will be more about life lessons, and not work or better habits.
For context, today is my father’s one year remembrance, and I’m doing a lot of reflection.
“What is that verse that says Be ye not as the horse, or the mule, which hath no understanding? Enose, can you check for that verse on your phone? Where is it, let’s see…”
***Short pause***
“It’s Psalm 32 verse 9.”
“Ehen. Oya quick-quick, open it, let’s read.”
After reading, my father sighed as he always did after we read a Bible verse that resonated with him.
Psalm 32:9 — Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
I was in the sitting room with my father and two brothers. It was customary for my father to call for a Bible Study before any small or big event — when resuming school, after returning from school, when someone got a new job, when someone was travelling or moving out, and of course, every Sunday.
I mean, you can’t joke with prayer and reading the Bible. My father did not.
And today’s Bible Study was special. It was September 8th 2023, and my flight to leave Nigeria for Ireland was in 8 hours time, and we had an hour to finish up and leave for the airport.
But what was so special about this Bible verse?
Well, as my dad explained, it was important to count one’s blessings. And only wise people sit down and really weigh the value of all that God has given them and express gratitude for it.
A horse or mule has little wisdom, same as ungrateful people.
He was choosing to be wise that day by counting his blessings. His second daughter was moving from a Nigerian multinational firm to a reputable Irish university. From his experience in life and that of his children, he had a lot to be thankful for.
And despite all he was going though — his health and a lot of things I cannot mention here — he chose gratitude. It wasn’t the easiest thing to do.
We didn’t know that would be our last Bible study together. Although something tells me he did, the look in his eyes and the way he was more tense than usual.
Today, I’m writing this letter to remind you, to have gratitude. Regardless of where you are right now, what you’ve achieved, your failures, it doesn’t matter. True gratitude should show despite all that.
I’m grateful for the privilege of having my father when he was here. We had a million ups and downs, but today he is in a wealthy place. And when all is said and done, I will join him there one day 💖
Dear reader, what are you grateful for today?
Get letters like this sent directly in your email.
Join The SIPPod (Self-Improvement and Productivity Podium), a newsletter community for creatives, 9–5ers and entrepreneurs. Get weekly insights on how to create more value for your audience and accelerate your personal and career growth with the right skills, habits, and experiences.
Click here to join
