Willingly submitting and emulating them will not only make it easy but hasten our growth in that area.
I sat in the dark at the edge of my bed that night, enveloped in silence like someone mourning, my heart pounding from the memory of the glimpse of actual darkness, the screech of tires, and the crowd that surrounded me.
The near-death experience I had a few days ago really took a toll on me. I was just in my early twenties at that time.
As I got lost in thoughts that night it became obvious how I have been wasting away, chasing after shadows and things that do not matter in life.
My lifestyle was rough, I was into all kinds of terrible things, that were unlawful, religiously, and societally.
I sighed countless times after asking myself a series of rhetorical questions; “if I had passed on, where was I going to?” “And if I continue on this path how would my end be?”
After spending quality time with myself, I came to the conclusion that I was going to make a change in my life.
One fateful Sunday, it was announced that every Monday, there is a youth meeting that takes place in the church, where young people are being encouraged and taught the way of God. Something in me said, “That is it, don't miss it.”
When I came home that day, I was just pondering on the announcement, lost in doubts. A lot of factors were suggesting that I shouldn't go because I have been in such meetings before but it benefited me nothing.
I struggled with thoughts throughout that day, arriving the next day by evening. I put my thoughts and emotions under subjection, took a writing material and my Bible and I went for the meeting.
I arrived very early, about thirty minutes before the actual time. It was the church auditorium that was used, so nothing was new.
I sat quietly inside and a few minutes later, Mrs Kaka, a popular woman from the church choir came.
When she entered and saw me, we exchanged pleasantries, and then she began cleaning the chairs.
I became uncomfortable seeing such an elderly person doing cleaning and I was seated. So, I stood up and asked, “Where can I get another rag?”
She looked at me and smiled, “Behind those speakers,” she pointed with a finger.
I went there and got a rag and helped her to clean, before we finished it was already time, and people began coming.
Shortly after, a few individuals, very scanty, occupied some seats. I was seated in the second row observing the activity.
In my mind, I was already discouraged by the number and was just wishing they would finish on time so I could leave.
While still lost in my thoughts I heard a familiar voice, “Let us pray,” the deep thunderous voice said.
“Wait, a minute, isn't that Mr Abimiku?” I asked myself, then slightly opened my eyes and lifted my head. Well, my guess was right, it was him.
I was surprised to see him in the meeting. I know he worships in the church but I wasn't expecting to see him there.
Mr Abimiku was my secondary school teacher, he was one of the most disciplined, God-fearing men that I have ever known, right from my early days in secondary till I graduated, I knew him to be a man who doesn't compromise.
Seeing him brought gladness to my heart. I was so excited. He gave a very powerful exhortation that day. His words pierced into my heart like an arrow.
After the meeting, I quickly met him. “Good evening sir," I greeted, bending my head slightly.
"Ah, ah, Emreal," he exclaimed. “You have grown big already. How are you?”
“I am fine, sir,” I replied.
“When did you return,” he asked.
“I have been around, sir,” I answered.
“How about school?” He inquired.
“I'm in school here, but I am done.”
“Wow! Okay. I am glad you made it to the meeting. Hope you were blessed?”
“Yes, sir, I was. I don't know if you have some time to spare, but I would like to discuss something with you,” I pleaded.
“Yes, sure.” He held my hand and we walked to a quiet place, at the back where there was no noise and people. “Please sit,” he said.
We both sat. And I began to pour out my heart to him. “Sir, I have lived a terrible life after secondary school. I kept bad friends, went to clubs, fought, and so on. Recently, I had a very terrible experience that made me reconsider my ways and I want to change but the more I try, I find it difficult.”
“I must confess, you have made a good decision but it's not easy to change. You have been into those activities for quite some time, you will need time to do away with them,” he replied then paused for a moment. “I will help you if you are willing and ready to pay the price.”
“Thank you, sir, I am ready,” I replied quickly.
“Okay, first, you will be committed to coming to this meeting. It will help you a lot and then, I will also give you books to read and the principles I used to stay above sin and to live right,” he responded.
“Okay, sir, I'll do just that,” I replied.
After the conversation, he prayed for me and we exchanged phone numbers. From that day, I began making deliberate efforts towards change personally.
Subsequently, I began to observe his lifestyle and I saw that it was what I aspired for so I decided to take a leaf out of his book.
I discovered that he was a man who loved to pray, study the Bible and spiritual materials, and was so resilient. He doesn't give up easily, when he is after a project, he doesn't stop until he achieves it. So, I copied it.
Initially, it was like a waste of time, doing what some were doing simply because I wanted to be good was boring but I understood what I was after, I persisted.
After a while my life transformed, I didn't only stop doing some of the terrible things I was doing, but I also became a reader, prayerful, hardworking, and a little spiritual. It was like i inherited a portion of Mr Abimiku’s life.
The man became so proud of me, and often talks about my transformation. To date, he is someone I look up to as a guide and mirror in life.
N.B: All Images Were Generated By Meta AI