I want to build this write-up around one saying in my local parlance. It’s actually a Yoruba prayer coded in idiomatic effects.
It says, “Oluwá màjé kín só èrú mi kalé kí ntó dé èbuté ògó mí.” Literally speaking, it means, “Lord, don’t allow me to drop off my luggage before l reach my haven of glory.”In a more simplified form, the statement may also be translated to mean, “Lord, help me not to settle down until l get to my land of celebration.”Ironically and on a pathetic and tragic note, many have settled down long before getting to their land of celebration.
They settled down in a dry and empty land under the mistaken belief that they have arrived!!!I most humbly invite you to join me on a solemn excursion as we explore the implications of the above prayer.I am particularly proud of one NNPC Ltd gas station for its established capacity at dispensing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol 24 hours 24/7.I used to tell those who care to listen that if they can patiently join the queue in that particular gas station, it is certain that they will get enough fuel to buy.
My confidence is beyond every shadow of doubt.I enthusiastically joined the queue with unshakable assurance that am in the last bus stop! Moments later l discovered that the queue wasn’t moving as fast as expected. It turned out that only two pumps was dispensing! Furthermore, the strict lane discipline well established in that station was glaringly compromised!!! But l remained hopeful not minding the ugly handwriting on the wall.
To cut a long story short, at about 5:15pm everything came to a halt. NO MORE FUEL. I was shocked because fuel is supposed to be available here at all times.I quickly embraced this ugly reality. My disposition to life has no room or allowance for worry or regret.
Hence, l settled for a 10 liters keg for 3k just by the gate of the gas station. I then proceeded peacefully to my destination.On my way home, l noticed the presence of a petrol tanker in one gas station with very few vehicles around. I decided to give it a try.
After all, life is all about rising each time we fall. Remember that winners never quit and quitters never win.Surprisingly, in less than twenty minutes all the available vehicles were right inside the fuel station when the gate was opened shortly after my arrival.
In fact, several car owners driving pass the gas station quickly made a detour to buy fuel. Of course, l got enough fuel.As a creative writer with day-to-day realities of life as my motivation, l soon realized that my experience with the two gas stations hold the key to someone’s success in the journey of life.
That is the motivation for this post. I will promptly explain what l mean.The first gas station which l used to boastfully advertise to people of its capacity for 24 hours fuel supply with zero tolerance for jumping queue represent those we confidently believe will help us to succeed in life.
We ignorantly build our lifelong dreams around those people believing that they are our God-ordained helpers of destiny who can NEVER fail us. And just like this first fuel station disappointed us, many of those we thought will be there for us 24 hours a day will disappoint us.
In fact, they will fail us woefully to our greatest consternation.But on a refreshing and comforting note, God is watching all this while. Yes, God is mindful of your situation and circumstances. He knew that you have been in the queue of life for long and trusting Him for one testimony or the other. He witnessed your secret tears and unspeakable agony when it was your turn only to be turned back and told that it’s all over for you!!!Guess what?
God has pleasant surpises for you. There is a ‘truck’ somewhere ‘discharging’ your long awaited miracles. I cannot say when the miracle will be delivered, but your season of celebration will surely come. I pray that you will be sensitive and courageous enough to join another queue in the journey of life. I mean the queue where your tanker or truck is discharging your goodies.
It may be the second queue, third, fourth, fifth, etc. Never mind. Simply try again. That is the key to your desired success.Don’t give up. Even when you’re fed up and terribly discouraged to the point of giving up, pray that God will help you not to drop your loads until you reach your land of celebration.
Remember the opening prayer, “Lord, don’t allow me settle down before l reach my land of celebration.”The loads or burdens of life won’t kill you because God is involved. You are more than able. Yes, you are well equipped by grace as an overcomer. Divine intervention will come in a sudden and amazing way.
Your turn-around will be too loud to be ignored. The comforting echo of your arrival will shake the length and breadth of the universe.Keep pushing and trust God for the best.See you at the top.
Note – This article was written before the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol.
