Two days ago, on my way to Thika town, my car broke down. I was angry with the car and disappointed with the mechanic who had been repairing it. Even after spending almost enough money to buy another engine as a replacement, the car was still misbehaving. I also regretted having not planned ahead and bought another vehicle. I must have made a pathetic sight as I tried to push the car, whose boot hang open, full of roofing papyrus. Worse still, the car had chosen one of the worst places to have a break down; just after the bridge over Chania River! This is a one way bridge that is prone to traffic jams, especially when two vehicles meet in the middle, with neither driver ready to give way. Meanwhile, traffic was pilling up on both sides of the bridge with impatient matatu drivers honking, as if that would get the car out of the way. Several not-so-friendly jibes came my way, heightening the tension I was in. I was confused but still full of pride to ask for help. After all, all those people passing by could see that I desperately needed help! Without prompting, some two men came over and effortlessly pushed the car out of the road. I fiddled with it for some time, and eventually, it started. One of the men who came to my aid asked for lift, since he was heading in the same direction I was. “I have been waiting outside the hotel for a man who was to give me a job. He has not turned up, neither is he answering my calls,” the man told me, sounding disappointed. “What type of a job were you promised?” I politely asked. “He wanted me to cut the grass in his compound.” I was surprised, because the middle-aged man was neatly dressed, and could have fit in an office. “The factory I used to work in closed down a few months ago and I’m yet to find another job. I have a wife and four school-going children. Generally, life has been very tough for me, and most nights we sleep hungry,” he explained. I made all the necessary noises in sympathy with his situation. I dropped him off at the point he indicated, and was almost driving away when a thought struck me. Why not give him a two-days job clearing the bush around my home? I called him back, explained what I needed, and we agreed to meet the next day. As I drove away, I felt good that I had done something that would assist this man. I even contemplated getting him a job at my place of work. While thinking of this man and his family, I realised how blessed I am. My family and I have good health, we have a business that’s doing well. I also own a car, though unreliable from time to time, that takes me wherever I need to go. This was a big contrast with a man who was barely surviving, a man who had walked 15 kilometres for an appointment that never was. I realised that though things were not running as I would have liked, there were thousands and thousands of people who were doing much worse. Not that they are lazy.No. They are men and women who are ready to do any job to feed their families. Though I work hard, I may not be the hardest working man. What I own is through the undeserving grace of God. I should not be lamenting over my car or anything else not working like I would want it to. What I should be doing is thanking God for the many favours he showers me with daily.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 05:24:38 +0000
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