2010: THE ‘JOKER’ YEAR

Does this sound (or read) funny? Anyway, it’s true in every sense of it. Before you criticize me, hear (or read) me out.

Do you remember well your Sunday School Bible stories back in those days when you were still forced or lured to church or whatever? Okay, it’s about a stammering prophet called Moses and a stubborn hard-hearted Pharaoh. The main gist is now the plagues God used Moses to work before the Pharaoh. God knew the Pharaoh was hardened (because God did Him – this God sef, kai, na Baba!) and He particularly told Moses to continue going before him (i.e. Pharaoh) and keep calling those miracle-plagues to life and action, and it was so. It happened from Plague number 1 to 2 to 3 and so on till Plague number 10. Haba!

Now I ask, didn’t God know it was plague number 10 that will make Pharaoh pronounce Israel’s deliverance? Why did the all-knowing God allow His people to continue in slavery as He show forth His power to the inconsequential, spiritually short-sighted, dispensable and out-of-sort heathen? Why did God waste time to go through the motions to crucify Pharaoh and his cohorts? Well, He is the all-wise God and He’s got His reasons!

By the way, how can me mere mortal question His actions? No way, I’m sorry sir!

But consider this carefully:
God had His reasons which I have an insight to. He (God) had to work through to get the Israelites out, because the only way out is the way through. He could have chosen to use the number 10 plague as the first and only way to break the defenses of the Egyptians, but He didn’t because He has a better plan. He needed to get to the ‘joker’ number 10 to push His actions through. If you had played the card game, you would get the picture of the effect of number 10. It is the joker number. It neutralizes all opposition and makes them like, as in, you know, ‘dundee.’ lol!

Now, I doubt if you have got the opportunity to witness any year that ends with the first double digit – 10 - in your whole lifetime. (Possibly not even your old folks, because the last one was 1910!) Do you now see reason why you should jump up and rejoice and even call a party and celebrate with your friends? (Don 't overdo party o!) This is your year. No controversy. God will see to it that all your aspirations will come to pass. He knows and you know that He’s got fantastic thoughts concerning you; to give you an expected end. Do I sound like a Pastor? Don’t bother; you just tap into that reality.

Take note of these though:
Pray continually, give thanks always, develop yourself, mind your clique (i.e. move with better, smarter pals), add value to others, give, give and give, then Enjoy!

Have a prosperous year ahead of you!

The December Twist

Let me begin with this story. The reality of the obvious fact was electrifying and also overwhelming. The news is this: “Iniesta breaks Chelsea’s heart.” Indeed, Andres Iniesta’ injury-time leveler sent 10-man Barcelona into the 2009 edition of the UEFA Champions League final (and subsequently winning an unprecedented treble) after a dramatic 1-1 draw with The Blues at the glorified Stamford Bridge, London on Wednesday, 6th May 2009. The Spanish International struck a screamer in the 93rd minute (can you imagine!) to cancel Michael Essien’s equally early stunning strike to win the semi-final tie on away goals rule following the previous week’s goalless stalemate at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. The shocker of the game was the host (Chelsea) had enjoyed an advantage for the final 25 minutes after Eric Abidal was dismissed for a professional foul. Chelsea had the advantage of one man. Yet, during the INJURY TIME, just 7 seconds to the end of the game, Barcelona FC scored, to zoom into the finals. It was a scene of disbelief and shock when the referee blew the final whistle: Disbelief because Chelsea had led throughout the match.

You might have had a very rough year, had your heart broken in many more than countable times but you still had the opportunity of a few days to change a few things, most importantly your reaction to these negative situations.

Also, some on the other hand might have had a very fulfilling year, had things going for you, yeah, but there is still left more than enough for you to tidy up your acts and be an influence to someone before the whistle is blown.

Ralph Emerson wrote: “A vast majority of winners are bundles of beginners.” Winners do not accept closed doors or impossibilities. Sometimes, it is the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. The year is creeping gradually to the end, just 24 days to go before another year opens with new possibilities, new opportunities, new pals, new motives, and many more things that can help to gravitate your life to more success. What are you going to do in just a little above 3 weeks before the new wineskin is opened? Will you reminisce for better changes in the future? Will you take more calculated risks? Will you be more attentive and caring to those in need around you? Will you be an impact?

Whatever you do, remember that the year is running to an end but your life still has limitless opportunities to be a better person. The ball is in your court. You can still do the Twist if you choose.