Directly in front of my house is a Catholic church. Twice daily they congregate. And twice daily they interrupt my peace and my freedom of movement. They normally block roads until they are done with service before I can drive out.
I have contemplated so many actions including blocking them before they
block me. It's not been easy to control myself but I have managed to.
Two weeks ago, there was water shortage in the estate. As I got out with jerrican to send for water, the church guard yelled out something while walking towards me. But because use I was so filled with angry towards everything about them, I just kept going. The guard ran very fast to catch up to me. Until I heard a panting voice said "Aunty we have water" as he pointed towards the Church.
So, I reluctantly went with him to get two jerricans of water. Little did I know that simple unsolicited favor will change my attitude towards them.
Because I had a change of attitude, I was able to see them in a positive light, their noise became music, their rowdy crowd became gathered friends and family, the threat became protection, what seemed permanent inconveniences became temporary and the church became sacred.
Today is Christmas, I went there to help feed the orphans. After the exercise we got talking, then they soon realised the discomfort they had caused me. They apologised and created way to permanently free my driveway and they told me they are about moving to their permanent site. And guest what? I will miss them.
The fact is, sentiments cloud sound judgement and is unproductive. But to have the ability to catch yourself doing it and hence retreat, is simply gracious.
I hope you learn something from my story.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all humble folks of mighty BCO/BSO. May the holy season brings us glad tidings and May all our wishes come true in 2016 (Amen).
My name is Miriam Yakubu Ikunaiye; a Muslim and a friend of an entire church congregation
Two weeks ago, there was water shortage in the estate. As I got out with jerrican to send for water, the church guard yelled out something while walking towards me. But because use I was so filled with angry towards everything about them, I just kept going. The guard ran very fast to catch up to me. Until I heard a panting voice said "Aunty we have water" as he pointed towards the Church.
So, I reluctantly went with him to get two jerricans of water. Little did I know that simple unsolicited favor will change my attitude towards them.
Because I had a change of attitude, I was able to see them in a positive light, their noise became music, their rowdy crowd became gathered friends and family, the threat became protection, what seemed permanent inconveniences became temporary and the church became sacred.
Today is Christmas, I went there to help feed the orphans. After the exercise we got talking, then they soon realised the discomfort they had caused me. They apologised and created way to permanently free my driveway and they told me they are about moving to their permanent site. And guest what? I will miss them.
The fact is, sentiments cloud sound judgement and is unproductive. But to have the ability to catch yourself doing it and hence retreat, is simply gracious.
I hope you learn something from my story.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all humble folks of mighty BCO/BSO. May the holy season brings us glad tidings and May all our wishes come true in 2016 (Amen).
My name is Miriam Yakubu Ikunaiye; a Muslim and a friend of an entire church congregation
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