The God of the Gain

It’s hard to believe that another year is on its way out, ushering in a new slate of 365 days. This is the time of year when we reflect back while also looking forward. We take inventory of the days spent, measuring our wins and losses, and project forward with anticipation and great expectations of what could be.

I found myself in that mode of reflection just last week. I was walking through our neighborhood, praying about the things in my life that had not met my expectations. My real estate goal for 2024 was to close 13 transactions. I like round numbers, and 20 career closings as a part-time agent felt like a good milestone.

But I spent some of my “prayer” time beating myself up over the 4 transactions that didn’t make it to the finish line. I pondered what I could have done better or how the market might have shifted in my favor. To be honest, I shamefully moved from a prayerful posture to one of griping and complaining. It felt like my spirit was disconnecting from a healthy place, slipping into a pit of whining and grumbling.

From Gap to Gain

The Holy Spirit was quick to put me in my place, encouraging me to look at the 9 transactions I did close rather than the 4 that fell short. By changing my perspective to all I had accomplished and all that God had done, I was able to move from gap to gain.

• In those 9 transactions, I could celebrate a year in which I more than doubled my production from the year prior.

• In those 9, I could reflect on all I had learned while navigating each scenario.

• Most importantly, in those 9, I had space to pray for each family I had the honor of serving during one of the biggest financial investments of their lives.

  
  

This shift in perspective spilled over into other areas of my life—marriage, family, friends, hard things, and unexpectedly wonderful things. I began to see that all circumstances were worthy of praise and thanksgiving if I chose the right perspective.

Choosing Gratitude Amid Hardship

For example, my Mom has been battling dementia for the last few years—a heartbreaking journey for everyone who loves her. Looking back over 2024, I could fixate on the gap this disease has left, or I could focus on the gain: my sister and I have never been closer.

We’re the only ones who truly understand what it’s like to lose our Mom while she’s still here. That loss has bonded us in ways we might not have experienced otherwise. Is dementia hard? Yes. Is there grief around every corner? Yes. But can I choose to be grateful for the good it has brought? Yes—and doing so softens the blow.

A Call to Reflect

As you round the corner of 2024 and strive toward the finish line, let me encourage you: count the ways you’ve been blessed, even in the painful and disappointing areas.

1 Thessalonians reminds us:“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I believe something supernatural happens when we choose gain over gap. A shift occurs in our spirit when we acknowledge the hard but set our gaze on the good. A foundational peace rushes in, affirming the truth that God is for us and always working toward our good.

Celebrate the Good

May this December be one in which we celebrate all He has allowed—the good that has come and the good that is yet to come.

For He is the God of the gain.