I have been reflecting deeply on my life lately, and one phrase keeps resonating with me:
“I am blessed in abundance through God’s grace and mercy.”
It reminds me of a truth I hold dear: the blessings I’ve received are not earned but gifted. They are reminders of God’s unrelenting love and care, often arriving when I least expect them, sometimes wrapped in challenges that teach me lessons I only fully understand later.
As I look back on my 62-year journey, I realise how privileged I have been. I grew up in a loving home with devoted Parents and siblings who shaped my character and values. My father worked for South African Airways for an incredible 54 years. This career came with benefits that profoundly impacted our family. One of the most significant was medical aid, which provided me access to world-class treatment when I battled rheumatic fever as a child. Many underprivileged children succumbed to this illness, but I survived thanks to the care my family’s circumstances afforded me. For this, I am deeply grateful.
Another blessing was the travel opportunities my father’s job provided. Annual overseas flights and reduced accommodation costs opened the world to us. Those experiences ignited my love for travel and meeting new people. Looking back, I wish I had embraced those opportunities even more. Still, the adventures I did embark on remain treasured memories. Travel is still the best university you will find.
My professional life has been another testament to the silver linings woven into my story. Through the right connections and friendships, I’ve never faced unemployment. Opportunities seemed to find me, and I often held roles that allowed me to grow and excel. Even as a consultant, when COVID-19 disrupted the world, two of my clients graciously continued paying me for months, despite the halted work. It was yet another example of God’s provision, a reminder that even in uncertainty, He provides a way.
But not all blessings are born from ease. Four years ago, my Son and his Partner joyfully anticipated the birth of their second child, a little girl who would complete their family. She was born a month premature and needed to stay in the Neonatal ICU. Tragically, due to a human error, we lost her after just 11 days. The grief was overwhelming, but even in that darkness, God’s presence was undeniable.
Last year, our family welcomed another baby girl — our “Rainbow Baby.” She is pure joy, her laughter and giggles lighting up our days. I’ve never met a happier child. Living on the same property as my grandchildren allows me to experience their daily lives in a way few grandparents can. The bond we share is a privilege beyond words, one I cherish deeply.
These experiences have brought me to tears of joy more than once recently. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends since December, taking on projects that have now culminated in what feels like a perfect storm of goodness. As I’ve closed these chapters and shifted into a maintenance phase, I’ve been overwhelmed by gratitude. God’s love and care for me are evident in every corner of my life. I can’t fully articulate it, and I certainly can’t understand it, but I accept it with a grateful heart.
This gratitude extends beyond my own life to my children, grandchildren, family and friends. God’s grace has been evident in their lives as well, often in ways that leave me marvelling at His plan. I’ve learned that every tragedy, trauma, and challenge is a path to growth and understanding. These experiences shape us, teaching us about ourselves and the world, and ultimately guiding us toward His purpose for our lives.
The life I now live feels like a dream come true. But I know it’s not by my doing. It’s by His design. A life filled with blessings and lessons that prepare me to pay it forward. My response to this overwhelming love can only be to serve, to glorify His name, and to share the goodness I’ve received.
There is so much kindness, care, and love in this world. Sometimes, all we need to do is stop and listen to someone’s story to uncover it. That’s where I see God’s hand most clearly — in the moments when we connect, support, and uplift each other.
This is the God of love that I so gladly serve, with my hand on my heart and a deep sense of gratitude for the perfect storms He has used to shape my life.
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to be generous! 😊
As always, thanks for reading. 🙏
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