LIFE IS NOT PS4

 

I was thinking this morning.... Last Tuesday, in my usual effervescent manner, I had responded to an email aimed at driving improvement in one of our processes. What I didn't realise was that I had slighted a colleague and friend by the mail. He responded very robustly without betraying his emotions. When I called him to discuss, I understood his anger and he saw that my response was in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands. We laughed and thanked each other for not allowing the email exchange to become an ego trip.

As we conversed, we wondered how people struggle and fight about earthly things and in the process hurt themselves. Have you considered why there is an epidemic of high blood pressure? Have you wondered why there are so many incidents of sudden death? What we call 'uku gbain gbain' in Itsekiri.

Within the last two weeks, I heard very shocking cases of sudden death that got me thinking and made me calm down. Two weeks ago, a pastor in Port-Harcourt while preaching in back-to-back services collapsed during the third service and died shortly after. Last week someone I know quite well was sitting with his family in church while the service was going on and passed on, while everyone thought he was sleeping. Days ago, another person I know slept and passed on without any major medical issue.

What exactly is going on? In my musing, I realised that for many around the world, living has become very difficult considering the stressors people face daily. Tough economy, Covid impact and other general problems are sources of stress and affecting their mental health.

Nigerians face even bigger challenges with failed governance and 'village people' adding to the wahala. For Port-Harcourt residents, it is double jeopardy because even breathing has become a huge problem. The danger of Coronavirus in the air is child's play compared to the black soot from 'kpofire.'

The challenges life throw at you today is enough to stress you out, so don't add to it by your actions or inactions. Wish no man evil. Be at peace with all men (Rom 12:18). Like an old song from my childhood says;

Jeje o, my friend o. No rush life o, you hear
Jeje o, my friend o. Take am coolee o.

Please take it easy. Don't stress over little things. Scale back on the adrenaline rush. Know your body and when to rest. Live life, rest and don't die. Life is not PlayStation (PS4) where you can replay.

Stay hopeful. God's got your back.

Happy Sunday.

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey