1st December 2025.

Wasn’t it just the other day we were all wishing each other a Happy New Year? What happened to the last 48 weeks of this year? I am looking back and wondering where the time went? And if you are from Kenya, then join me in simply saying “Wueh?!” – for our international folks, that simply means… well, “What in the world?!” Anyway, we are here! Of importance is that we are alive and kept of the Lord. Of greater importance is that the Lord has seen us through some pretty tough times, and good times, all rolled into what made 2025 – yes, we still have 4 weeks to go and God will see us through.

So as i wind up my “Wueh?!” year and gear up for a “Wow!!” 2026, let me share with you my 12 Jewels from the last 12 months. By the time I post the 12th Jewel, we shall be singing Christmas Carols… I promise.

1. Transitions are Rough – But God is in it.

In 2020, my family entered a season of transitions that did a number on us. Oh my – it was rough! As we navigated the process, I quickly realised that God, in his providence, had started to turn the wheels in our lives and we were at entering a season where transitions would hit us in quick succession. Looking back, i thank God for that preparation because…. let me tell you Maina…(Kenyans, you know that phrase very well)…. 2025 was a crucible! Everything i thought I knew, knew that I knew, assumed I knew, knew I did not know – was challenged in every imaginable way. I survived and dare say, thrived, because I had the lessons from 2020 to lean into. Friend – transitions are transitions, big or small! So, whether you moved house, changed jobs, got married, became a first-time parent, lost a loved one, relocated – transitions will inevitably transform and change who you are.

What kept me steady ? Glad you asked:

a. A deep conviction that God was in every single detail of every single second of this year – and still is. My friend, there is no other way to keep your marbles in a row – at least for me, I know no other way. Knowing that God is in the detail will give you peace that surpasses all understanding.

b. Keep the main thing, the main thing – if you get carried away by the side shows you will soon be drifting far off your destination, grasping at straws to get back on course. Determine what that main thing is and focus on it.

c. It will get worse before it gets better – getting used to a new city, a new home, a new social status can throw you off by several miles. Don’t be so stuck on demanding normalcy – just ride that wave and before long, the pace will stabilize. Just expect, anticipate and embrace the turbulence.

2. Loose Excess Baggage

Travelling is on my bucket list – I have not yet done it to the extent I dreamt. I am just getting started. Aside from the thrill and adventure that comes with it, is the adjustment to living out of a suitcase. You have to learn the art of efficient packing – number of shoes, accessories and carry ons will shrink or expand depending on where you are going, how you are getting there and what you intend to accomplish. So, your usual 3 suits will shrink to 1 with different tops, or a dress, a suit, 2 pairs of pants and 3 tops that can be create 16 outfits. It gets easier with time.

However, I recall how one time I had to shake the corners of my bags to pay for excess luggage coz, well, I could not leave anything behind. I can tell you, I made it my business never to experience that again.

It is the same with every other area of our lives.

a. Where do you want to go? You cannot operate as if your sole aim is to survive the year. No please. Life must be worth something – that clarity is critical.

b. How will you get there? What will it cost you? You can get to Mombasa either by road (walking, driving, cycling) or rail, or air. Each has a time factor and a cost factor- choose what you can afford to pay for and be on your way. Just move please.

c. What do you need to get there? What must you have on this journey and what must you loose? Excess baggage may be anger, hurt, disappointment. It can be people, relationships, friends; or habits, addictions, excuses, or even good reasons. As long as it is not serving where you are going, loose it. Drop it. Move on. Learn to keep what is absolutely necessary for your next self.

3. God is not from your village

Haiya!! Do you know that God hears all of us when we pray? So when you are busy asking God to deal with your enemies, or teach someone a lesson, or show you favor and not others, or.. that list is endless – what do you imagine he should do? Pick sides?

Jesus told his disciples here that narrow is the gate and difficult is the way. I mean, following Jesus means that you go against what is popular or heck, natural – for instance, loving your enemy, doing good to those who despitefully use you, walking in humility, walking in meekness, preferring others over yourself. That means that as I say my prayers, I cannot focus on what I want Him to do to satisfy myself or my ego – His will, His purpose and plan must remain the focus – That is what the narrow gate and difficult way is.

Let me just add that imagining that God will deal with your enemy just because you have asked him to reduces God to the level of an errand boy – Yes. Please believe me – I have been there in that whatsapp group because once in a while, I have gone to God and just poured it all out. It is in that state of complete truth that I allow the truth of God’s word to shine the way for me. We must never confuse ourselves to assume that God will do what we say – He will do according to the counsel of His will. So focus on seeking to know and do His will. And that will sometimes, nay – many times, mean that you lay down your soulish desire for revenge and anger and pray a blessing…

So, next time you want to “tell the Lord”…. Take a step back and advise yourself – God is not from your village.