Friday, September 26, 2008

Happy Holidays!

Hey!
Today is Friday and there will be no work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week because those days are public holidays. Everyone here is in high spirits and even now (5:20PM), the office is almost getting deserted! It sure is a long weekend and I am also looking forward to it.

Let's make the most of the break, take time out to reflect on those things that are important to us and make plans for the days ahead. We can also spend time with loved ones, go out and have fun or retreat for prayers.

Whatever you do, enjoy it and by the time work resumes, return as a better person.

Ciao!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Memories

Hi there!

Recently I was reading an edition of TW by Adesuwa Onyenokwe and she talked about how she needed financial support for an annual awards event that she organises (I think it's something about appreciating rare gems that have contributed to the society). She said getting such support was difficult because it was usually done low key with no hype about it. Since getting the "big shot's" to lend their support was difficult, she had to rely on her goodwill with individuals who "owe" her one favour or the other. According to her, she just approached such individuls and they volunteered to offer their services for free! For instance, Stella Damasus and the Synergy band performed for free, the MC (can't remember which one of the top comedians it was) also performed for free.

Then I remembered the story of the woman with the alabaster jar in Matt 26:6 - 13. Jesus mentioned that "wherever the Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be told also, in memory of her."

Now at the point where the woman was pouring the perfume on Jesus, she didn't expect such reaction from Him, it was just a simple act of love (even though it must have cost her a fortune, as evidenced by the disciples' reactions). I would also like to think that Adesuwa most likely did not even remember what she had done to help those people in the past.

Therefore, our little acts of kindness, the simple words of encouragement and affirmation, the gentle touch, the lovely smile and all go a long way to impact the lives of the recipients of such gestures. We might not remember those things (and we might), but they most likely won't forget and would have fond memories of such.

On the other hand, where such gestures had a negative impact, the person(s) at the receiving end will not forget either. At least I can remember one teacher in Nursery school who flogged me for staining my school uniform with blood! The uniform got stained from nose bleeding and i got no sympathy but a beating from the teacher!
(By the way, I have no Misgivings towards her)

Now, I am not saying when you do your acts of kindness that you keep a record and expect a reward; you should do them, move on and expect a reward from only the Master. He knows how best to pay you back. Furthermore, as much as possible, do good to everyone that comes your way.

Remember, memories are longlasting.
Ciao!