THE carnival atmosphere gripping the country at the moment shows we have come to the end of yet another year, which was both tempestuous and a great success in more ways than one.
This is a year that has been dominated by so many headlines, so many that Namibians at some stage felt there was no hope for the future. That we are not a winning nation. But in truth, we are.
We are jumping for joy that the one glue that has kept this nation together for nearly a quarter century – peace and stability – has remained intact in 2014.
There must come a time when we pause from moaning and start counting our blessings instead. Why not? We are residents of a nation that values basic freedoms, human rights and democracy.
Even those disappointed with recent election results must acknowledge that each election offers a new chance to improve our shared circumstances.
Some major national projects have taken off. Mass housing is in full swing, so is the Neckartal Dam in the south. Many road projects – such as the dual carriageway between Windhoek and Okahandja –continue to be sources of much pride and joy.
Much of Africa is still trapped in wars, civil strife, terrorist attacks, famine and disease. But Namibians, led by a caring government, did everything in their power to produce food, avoid tribal confrontations and, by the grace of God, evaded the deadly Ebola virus thus far. How can we possibly not give ourselves a pat on the back? How can we not count our blessings?
Individually, there are painful sufferings. But nationally, we did not fail. For those facing losses or other difficulties, take a moment from counting your own blessings to send up prayers for strength and hope that will help them go forward.
The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.
To a very large extent, the law has been observed, harmony has prevailed and where friction existed, peace pipes have been smoked. Simply put, we stood together as a nation and faced the advancing armies of challenges as a united front.
We have peacefully, and almost anonymously, elected our next president. With 87 percent of voters choosing Dr Hage Geingob, we are certainly a united nation.
As a nation of mostly Christians, we have God to thank for His blessings. Our peace and tranquillity, our economic growth and harmonious existence, are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
There’s not a lot of countries in Africa – and indeed the world beyond – where people have more freedom than we enjoy here in Namibia.
Not many nations can match ours for quality of life, although we would be the first to admit we are miles behind where we ought to be. True, we have problems. This country is far from perfect, but overall, our nation offers far more hope and opportunity than many of its peers on the continent.
To a very large extent, we fail to recognise our own positives. We fail to appreciate what we have been given. That’s a shame because in our imperfections lies our opportunity and strength.
Namibians as a group are blessed in ways that people in other nations can only dream about. On this day, as a nation, we must pause to acknowledge what we have with gratitude.