As I sat with the old man, he was quiet, and I kept quiet too.
Frankly, I didn’t want to interrupt the thoughts of an aged man.
Who knows?
He may be looking for a solution to a pressing issue.
Who knows?
He may be reflecting on life, yes, I kept guessing till he asked me.
“My grandson, do you know where you came from?”
In my head, I was like “wow, what a deep question to ask, I must be very careful with my choice of words.”
So carefully, I replied, “from God, for a purpose on earth, and after that purpose, I will have to bid goodbye,” I said.
So Grandpa was quiet for a while, and I kept wondering “what’s on the mind of this old man sitting by my side?”
He went further to say, “Our purpose here is to be each other’s keeper, our purpose here is to shine like stars, helping one another, and serving one another in love, to the glory of God.
Yes, that makes our stay on earth worthwhile.
We’re to serve one another, throwing off selfish instincts, pride, maligning, and other negative energies.
This is what makes us “beautiful people”, he went further to say.
“You do admire the moon, the stars, and the beautiful shine from the sun, right?”, the aged man asked me, and I answered in the affirmative.
Good, he proceeded, “my son, all of those beautiful creations you see, are meant to serve you, and their beauty comes to bare as they serve one another.
“Yes, the same can be said of humanity;
as humans, we glow and shine as we serve and look out for one another; that is what makes us beautiful people.
It’s not about what you’ve got to show off, or what you have attained to boast of, but hey, it’s about love and care for your fellow man.
It’s about, your efforts towards humanity.” the aged man emphasized.
“Every great personality history ever made mention of, did served God through humanity, in humility, selflessness, discipline, and grace, yes, that brings to mind, the saying ‘service’ to humanity, is service to God,” said the old man.
“If you really want to stand tall, and to make a difference in your generation, then look out for brethren, and see how best you can render your service to humanity, this is life, and this is what makes us beautiful people.” the aged man beseeched.
Finally my son, I need to set off to work on my farm, but before that, let me live you with these questions to ponder on.
At your place of work, what will you be remembered for?
At your place of worship, what will you be remembered for?
Within that social group, what will you be remembered for?
In your family and among your friends, what do you stand for, and what legacy are you living behind?
And above all, how is your relationship with God?
Apparently, I sat under the mango tree at Dodowa for a long while, digesting and reflecting on these questions thrown at me by the wise one.
Maybe we can all reflect on this piece, and possibly add up, as we go about our daily routines.
Season’s Greetings friends!
#LoveIsTheUltimate!
~EBB
