I am happy when I am being me
I am happy when I am true to me
I lose my joy trying to be like another
I miss my joy trying to please others
But I am my happiest when I follow
My heart to where God wants me to be
I am my happiest when I serve God
Through those He brings my way.

I tried to ignore the pain of watching the stewards dump so much untouched food in bins. I could never understand why people would rather have these already paid for items that could make a difference, wasted. Each day, they all took what they wanted, walked away and whatever was left went to waste. I had to leave early not to watch the stewards pile precious foods that would have warmed hungry bellies for the trash.

In that environment where a few are so rich and the majority are so poor, I noticed that a lot of the rich have little or no regard for the poor. I can’t count how many times I observe a beggar: it was always some poor person that would drop something for them. The rich looked the other way. I learned also that the majority of those who once were poor mete the worst treatment to the poor. It is hard to understand. Why were they upset about food none of us needed being given to the less privileged in our work place? You would assume that they would take it all home but it was a lot! Or that they would take it to those who needed it since they didn’t want me doing it but no. Even after they take all they want, there was still so much left for the trash that it was as painful as it was sad to watch, knowing that those manning our gates at different locations needed them.

One day a friend who knew what had happened called me aside, “Glory these things are wasting, you can’t let them. You are not like these people, don’t let them drag you down their petty lane and rob people who truly need and appreciate these. None of them is anywhere close to you; how many of them have the educational, professional, etc. qualifications that you have? They are so down there and want to drag you along: don’t let them.” Encouraged, I resumed my delivery services irrespective of the looks and snide remarks.

Now I look back, do I have any regrets? I would have regretted not walking that unpopular road. I understand the criticisms; it doesn’t make sense that someone in my shoes should descend so low: only God can make such of us. Here I am looking back, grateful for every delivery, every mile traveled, every sore borne, every soul touched, and the joy it brought to them, to me, and to God our Father. Do I miss doing that now? Definitely not – it was a phase I lived to its fullest. Probably a test I could have failed for what was being said if not for the encouragement of friends especially Mo. Will I ever do that again, to that extent? I don’t think so – there is time for everything but we can never say never with God. All I can say is that I learned early that opportunities come and go and never return the same. I am glad I made the most of those opportunities and I hope that in future,  I will continue to be courageous to look beyond faces, tongues, and attitudes and be God’s hands and feet to those He sends me.
(To be concluded September 25, 2020)

Glory!