Gratitude Challenge: Three Things I'm Grateful For This Year !

Thank you so much @goodybest for this challenge.
Chancing upon it, I just knew I had to write on this. Seeing the way things have been going in my country for the past year, there seems to be so little to be greatful for, but naaaa, not me.

Top on my list is LIFE

A video I watched online some days ago said and I quote;

Our lives are not guaranteed, we only pray for chances. This is why a man who plans should also consider if he doesn't make it to the planned day.

A scripture passage I always use to remind myself to be greatful for the gift of life is found in the book of Ecclesiastes 9:4 and it says;

It is better to be alive than dead, because a living man has hope.

Whenever it seems as though I can't things stop working, or the issues of life come crashing down on me, and I suddenly can't see anything to be greatful for, then i remember this scripture. This helps me reflect and stay greatful knowing that

• I don't own this free breathe of life I have now. It's been given to me by God and if he still wants me alive, them he has plans for my life.

it is one major reason to be thankful.

• There's hope for me as long as I'm alive. No matter what's happening at the moment or has happened in the past, the fact that I'm still alive is a pointer that my own has not finished.

At a function

The second thing I'm thankful for is FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I was having a conversation with a young man yesterday, and he kept telling me how that he likes to do his things alone, he doesn't even tell anyone when he has a need or seek for help from anyone. I kept mum as he spoke, but I should just see a man who wouldn't go far if he continued that way.

When he was done talking, I spoke to him about the fact that LIFE WASN'T DESIGNED TO BE DONE ALONE. If our creator had wanted each of us to be alone, he'd have spaced us out like the islands so we won't be able to interact.
I just hope he learnt something from our conversation.

Back to the subject at hand. I've been blessed to have family who stick by me through thick and thin and also opportune to have forged beautiful friendships along the way and I'm very grateful for them.

Sometimes I get discouraged without even knowing and suddenly a friend calls, or checks up on me to speak words of life over me. By the time we're through talking, I'm encouraged again. Some things are worth more than all the wealth of this world.

I and some friends on our way to church

The third thing I'm greatful for IS GOD'S MERCY.

My pastor would tell us that we don't merit God's mercy. He shows it to us of his own accord.
I can afford to still buy things in this economy, because of the mercy of God. Yes smart work is necessary but if I work and God doesn't approve it, Wil I get anything?.
The answer is NO.

• I haven't lost any siblings or family member - MERCY
• I haven't been involved in any accident this year no matter how many times I ply the roads - Mercy

Myself and some students at an event thanking God for his Mercy

There is just so much that is coming to mind as I write this and I would like to invite @jovita30 @hyacinthfavour @alexanderpeace to join this challenge.

I would end with this saying: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, for his goodness and his Mercies endure forever.