By QuaWanna Bannarbie

This is my last opinion column of 2018. I am extremely grateful to the Suffolk News-Herald for the opportunity to share content through this medium. Of 52 weeks in the year, I was published 47 times. Now, you might be thinking I am bragging a bit, but indulge me for just a moment.

December brings considerations for Christmas gifts but also of close-out hits and misses. We consider the dwindling hours we must make good on the goals we set for the present year. At this time of year, we often read summaries of the year by the numbers. These facts, figures and data points are telling, providing reference for considering progress, difference and improvement from year to year. Our years by the numbers allow us to consider our accomplishments.

Although Christmas Day is behind us, the story of Jesus’ birth reminds me of accomplishments. The Bible says, “the days were accomplished that she should be delivered” (Luke 2:6).

As the Christmas story goes, Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem only to find that there was not a bedroom available for them. Therefore, Mary gave birth to her son and laid him in a manger. The absence of the bedroom did not prevent the birth of the blessing. God ordained that the Savior’s birth would be in Bethlehem, and whether the innkeeper had room or not should signify to us that divine providence was in place before we even knew of a manger. No room at the inn did not hinder the accomplishment of what was prophesied in the book of Isaiah.

In my review of the nativity story, the use of the term “accomplished” in the King James Version stood out to me, because “to accomplish” is often thought of as successful completions. Some translations use the word “fulfilled” rather than “accomplished.” In both cases, I am encouraged to consider that what took place in Bethlehem was the fulfillment of plans predestined. When I think about my year by the numbers, it is a list of fulfillments. It is a record of finishes. It is also confirmation that God has a plan and His will comes to pass.

We tend to look for provision before accomplishments can take place. We must trust that God guides all things. Even Mary considered how the child could be born from her womb seeing that she was a virgin. But the angel reassured her in telling her that her barren cousin was now with child, “for with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). We should not limit our success by wrongful overshadowing of what we deem able to be accomplished or fulfilled. Our Father in heaven is teaching us how to number our days. In God, there is room for fulfillment because God provides in His timing even when we think time is running out. With Him, there is no end.

My year by the numbers includes new things this year, because I can truly say that God opened doors that I did not conceive. With only four days remaining before the countdown strikes zero on December 31st, I am looking forward to 2019.

I encourage you to believe God for the days to be accomplished for your prayers answered, dreams fulfilled, hearts changed, restoration manifested and wishes granted. This year, be it unto each of us according to His word and may the hand of the Lord be with you.

QuaWanna Bannarbie is an adjunct professor of nonprofit leadership and management with Indiana Wesleyan University, National and Global. Her children attend Suffolk Public Schools. Connect with her via Twitter @QNikki_Notes.