THE LITTLE-BIG THINGS.

Back then, when I was blind, whenever I would think of blessings, all I was seeing are waterfront mansions, horsepowers, private jets, yachts, Louis Vuittons, Rolex, Nikes, likes, champagne and women. But, when my eyes were opened, I began to see the little things, ever since, I have been counting the little things.

I hear you lament, “I am so poor; my life is so boring, I do not have this, that, those…if only God would set his eyes upon me!” Well, stay with me, and as your eyes are surely opened, by the end, you will have realized how rich you truly are.

Let us start with the basics: your barn is full of grain. You enjoy the privilege of having three meals each day. Your stomach is ever calm; it never rumbles; it never complains. You are full of strength; you have the strength to keep fighting your battles, the strength to keep walking your journey, the strength to keep running the race, and now; the promised land is in sight, the visions are beginning to materialize, the finish line draweth nigh.

You have an abundant supply of clean water. Along the way, there are so many things: so many temptations, so many risks, so many pits, so many arrows, so many beasts…so many things trying to kill you; to stop you, but at least you are sure that thirst is not among them; you have an endless flow to quench your thirst. In the baking wilderness, you do not burn; you do not melt, you have an endless flow to soak in, and you just keep going, no need to rest in the shade.

Your mornings are not a nightmare. Awaking from your sweet sleep, you drag yourself into the shower; as the warm waters trickle down your back, you can hear the faint whispers within the roar, “Courage!” “Courage!” Once done, you give your head a little shake, to make clear your vision, you then step out of the waters, ready to face the day; ready to confront your fears, head-on. In the evenings, after a tiring plough, you step into the warm waters; through your tears, you let out all the pain. As the waters flow, all the pain is washed away; all the worries are washed into the drain, and you step out, your strength having been renewed, an Eagle, ready to rise even higher above the storms.

Within your wardrobe, you have, not one, not a pair, but a heap of clothes, and, they are not too loose, not too tight, not too dull; just the perfect fits. Amidst their judging eyes, you walk with your head held high, no shame. And your feet are not left out, they are likewise enveloped within a perfect pair, so they do not crack on the baking desert sand; so the thorns do not slow you down. Under the clear night sky, as the winds blow, you have enough to keep yourself warm, and so, the cold does not bite; the loneliness does not bite.

You have a house: a place to shelter from the raging storms, a place to hide from their wicked hearts; their judging eyes, a place that is ever welcoming; even when the world rejects you, a place where you can take off your vizard and be you, a place to enjoy limitless privacy, a place to share those special moments with your loved ones… Clearly, this is not a mere house, this is a place your heart calls home.

You have a decent job: a space to put your gifts and skills to use, an opportunity to serve humanity; to make a difference. A sword in your hand, it is your means to fight against the beast, “Strike one! Strike two! Strike three! Poverty is down.” Now, as the winds blow, you do not tremble; your hairs do not rise, you are covered.

You have a cozy bed. After a strenuous day, you have a place to lay your back; a place to rest. With all the worries the world is constantly throwing at us, you have a place to lay your head; forgetting them for a while. After fighting your battles; after winning your battles, you have a place to lie so your wounds can heal. A place to visualize your heart’s desires while staring into the deep; a place to dream. A place to hide your deepest secrets. A place where God is near and all you have to do is; whisper.

You are in perfect health. You have all four limbs: a pair of feet to run across the green grass; under the warm rays of the sun, a pair of hands to embrace those you hold dear. You have both eyes to witness the heavenly sunrise; sunset and to shiver at the sight of the stormy clouds…

You were never orphaned; you have had both parents or a parent. When you had no strength, they carried you; they fought for you. When you were foolish, they cautioned you; laying before you a clear path to tread. When you had no means, they fed you, and now, look at how far you have come! Even though their hairs are now turning grey and their skins saggy, they are still holding hands; their bond stronger than ever. Through the years, you have watched them brave the storms, resist the temptations, endure the flames…and nothing could separate them. As an example, they have shown you what true love is, and now, as you step out, into darkness, it cannot deceive you; it cannot use you.

You have one true friend. Someone who accepts you as you are, they do not judge. Someone who shows up amidst the storms; eager to endure the cold, they sit right next to you. Someone with whom to mock life’s burdens, numbing the pain. Someone to listen to your boring stories. Someone who laughs at your poor jokes. Someone to give you wise counsel when at a crossroads. Someone who keeps challenging you to manifest the best version of yourself. Someone who believes in you even when you are doubting yourself. Someone who truly wants the best for you, even if you were to surpass them. Someone who is bold enough to whisper the truth into your ears, even if it may hurt. Someone you can trust with your secrets; your treasures. Someone who covers you, behind your back. Someone, ready to lay down their own lives, for you, this very hour… In this wicked world, where hearts are shattered every day, if you have a true friend, just one, count yourself blessed.

You are still breathing; you have hope. It does not matter; looking back; it does not matter: the mistakes you have made, the opportunities that have slipped, the sins you have committed…the past; it is gone. It is time to look ahead! The future; shining so bright, isn’t it? Now is the time: it is time to learn, time to grow, time to mend the mistakes, time to seize the opportunities, time to get things right with God; now, is the time to get back up and to keep running; to keep fighting, the race is far from over; the battle yet to be won. As someone once said, “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone, can start from now and make a brand new ending.” So, if your heart is still beating, now is not the time to be drowning in your tears!

All these, just a drop in the ocean; there are a million more things we can talk about and still, there would be a million more left. Well, let me keep counting, I hope you join me in the counting, but, if your heart is still hardened, wait until you lose what you have, maybe then, you will be grateful!

By, Musa Jumba.