Saturday, 25 July 2020

Tough Turf

The implications of on-going restrictions on movements across the globe on world economy now and in the foreseeable future cannot be over-emphasised. Amid hurtful gloom and doom is the reality that the world having survived similar incidents in the past will evolve better and stronger over time. Life is tough indeed, but it comes in peaks and troughs just as the stock market typifies. Isn’t it ironic that some are getting richer during this pandemic period? If in doubt, google Jack Kelly’s write-up on “Billionaires are getting Richer during the COVID-19 Pandemic….”.

Last week, I had conversation with an acquaintance who I so much admired. We had finished with the matter of interest, but he would not sign out without knowing why I had not written in a while. He is the reason I am doing this now. You see, some associates connect with your passion and will seize any opportunity to encourage you when you seemed “gassed-out”. Truth is, there are lots of stuff to write about that staying the course may be compromised unwittingly. Nonetheless, I want to be content in ‘staying true to my calling’ no matter how tough it may be.

Why has it taken this long for me to blog again against my wish? There were certain events around me that affected my appetite for writing in the last few weeks. I had lost some folks around me - not due to COVID-19 ailment - that shook me considerably. You, wonder – what exactly is life worth? “Vanity upon vanity”? On top of that, the spate of moral decadence in high places, unbridle recklessness from unexpected quarters in public places and utter helplessness from the weak in the face of surmountable obstacles deflated my passion for blogging. Oh, how I also missed pastoring with passion?

In my search for knowledge, I set out few years back to understand the most important thing in life. Depending on the source, I came out bemused by the diversity of opinions on the subject matter. However, as the popular adage goes, “What I was looking for in Sokoto (a state in Nigeria) is in the pocket of my Sokoto (i.e. Yoruba language translation for Trouser)”. I found my answer in basic instructions before leaving earth. Finding greater meaning for life helps shape your worldview and productivity. Have you truly found the most important thing in your life? If not, I encourage you to do so in earnest. That is where you will find genuine fulfilment.

Amidst life’s ups and downs lies indescribable introspect, inestimable lessons and unspeakable blessings. No matter what we are going through, we can find joy irrespective of life’s vicissitude. One of such joy dispensers is helping others. According to Martin Luther King (Jr), “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”. Living for others is a life of extreme sacrifice. A selfless life devoid of any iota of selfishness or self-centred motives. It’s one in which you can’t do enough. It is a thankless life. Friend, this turf is not a level playing field. It is a tough but fulfilling turf. Whether we like it or not, each of us will exit this space someday. May it never be that we are just of the number without any significant trail. I wish you the best in life.


14 comments:

  1. Very insightful to say the least and please never stop writing or even think of slowing down. We thirst for more. Welldone

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  2. Very insightful to say the least and please never stop writing or even think of slowing down. We thirst for more. Welldone

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    1. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Gesture is well appreciated.

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  3. Very refreshing piece of writing. The sentence " *One of such joy dispensers is helping others* ." touched me specially. This Covid-19 pandemic calls for more of such help from the privileged few.

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    1. Quite delighted to see the feedback. Stay blessed and keep safe. All the best!

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  4. This is inspiring sir, amidst the write-up, this hit and got me thinking - excerpt "It’s one in which you can’t do enough. It is a thankless life. Friend, this turf is not a level playing field. It is a tough but fulfilling turf. Whether we like it or not, each of us will exit this space someday". The legacy that would be left behind after my EXIT. Thanks for this all-important reminder.

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    1. Whao! The excerpt is deeper than meaning...Thanks for re-playing this back. I am challenged again and again. Thanks for the feedback.

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  5. Powerful note. Hard reminder to keep the end in mind in all we do. Being selfless is tough and thankless, especially with recent realities..but in the end we will be remembered by the lives we affected positively, much more than all that we acquire.

    Notes as this keeps me aligned with the ultimate goal.
    Please keep it coming. Welldone.

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    1. Hard Truth. Thanks for the encouraging words. Will try my best to keep up. Cheers!

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  6. Great article Amos, please permit me to share this with my friends. Finding ones purpose on earth gives on the motivation to keep living.

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  7. As always, very succinct and timely. Reading through I paused for a moment to ponder and relate the message to the messenger, I then smiled and completed my reading. You have unmatchable humility and you are guiding us, your readers to see life differently. Thank you so much.

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    1. Thanks Aminu. Quite delighted that you found these write-ups worthy of note. I salute you!

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