A Journey of Gratitude

Hi friends! Bismillah, let’s start today’s journaling with a little flashback to the past… back to the days when I was still a child.

When we talk about gratitude, there are actually so many things I can be grateful for now, especially when I compare them with the times back then.

From family economy, sense of independence (atau rasa keberdayaan diri), life access and facilities, to peace of mind, everything has changed and grown.

When I was little, my family’s financial condition was not as good as it is today. I also didn’t feel as empowered, because as a child, I was surrounded by adults who were sometimes hard to deal with. Access and facilities were also limited, and of course, that was closely tied to our economy. But Alhamdulillah, as our family’s condition improved, so did everything else.

And now, as I grow older, Allah has also granted me more peace in life. At this very moment while writing, I honestly just want to say Alhamdulillah again and again. Terima kasih, ya Allah, for being so kind to me and my family.

Since I returned home to Medan after spending two years in Java, I often share stories with my mom about my childhood and compare them with life today. Almost every time, those conversations end with gratitude. Life really feels like climbing a staircase, step by step, the blessings from Allah feel greater each day.

As Allah says in the Qur’an, Surah Ibrahim ayat 7: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase your blessings."

For every journey I’ve been through, whatever form it took, I am truly thankful to Allah, and to my parents for guiding and protecting me along the way. Every stage of life carries its own lessons.

I don’t know how long I still have in this world, whether it’s a long journey ahead or just a little more time. But what I do know is that I pray Allah will always accept my good deeds, forgive my mistakes, and one day allow me to leave behind a legacy of kindness for the people around me. Aamiin. 🌸