THE MANGO FELL

 

I was thinking this morning.... Still on the 14-hour trip to Omu-Aran in Kwara state. Our vehicle had developed a brake problem just before Ikare junction, Owo, Ondo State, and we all came down to allow the driver to fix the problem. We felt a wee bit angry and disappointed with the driver for his rough driving. Having been on the road for over 8 hours, we wanted nothing but an uninterrupted ride to Omu-Aran.

The location we stopped, called Shagari by the locals, was remote with just a few houses. No shop or local stalls to buy water or snacks. We took shelter under two huge mango trees. Thankfully, there were two make shift benches under the trees to rest our tired bodies. While we sat, hungry and tired, praying for quick resolution of the problem, life's lessons dropped on me like fresh dew in a harmattan morning.

Where we sat, resigned to the fact that we would arrive Omu-Aran late in the night, I observed the locals walk slowly with no sense of urgency. It was like they had no trouble in life. The light cool breeze and quietness dispersed peace in a manner that reminded me of my NYSC days as a teacher in Bonny National Grammar School (BNGS) in 1992. The peace I enjoyed after school hours in the serene environment of the staff quarters is one I will cherish for life. At that moment, I saw the incident as a gift from God to relax and enjoy the moment.

I was happy with just enjoying the light, cool breeze in a serene environment, but it came with more. With every whoosh of the breeze, a ripe mango dropped from the tree. Within a short time, lovers of mango in our team were enjoying fresh mango snacks. It was nothing but sheer serendipity.

Life! Sometimes life gifts us blessings in the middle of a disappointment. Every event and anyone you meet in the journey of your life is part of your storybook or album. Embrace it and make the best of every situation. In the quiet and uneventful times of your life, be sensitive because there is a ripe mango about to fall for your enjoyment. Appreciate everything that will come your way. There is a blessing in it. Just look up, and you will see the ripe mango ready to drop. Hebrews 12:2.

Stay hopeful. God's got our back.

Happy Sunday!

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