I was in Uyo last week for a conference. I presented my paper on AI in Aquaculture and everyone clapped. After the event, I followed my friend to his newly completed 4-bedroom bungalow.
Very fine house.
Tiles shining, POP everywhere.
On our way back, we passed an old compound. The same house I knew as the Chief's mansion when I was a child. Big man house and now the bush has taken over it. The windows broken and I learnt that the owner died 5 years ago, the children are in abroad fighting over who will sell the property.
That night I could not sleep, I was thinking all night how we came here with nothing and we will leave with nothing. And in between, we fight like everything belongs to us.
That house you are so proud of today, know that someone lived in that environment with a more beautiful house before you. Someone will live there after you.
Listen, that position you are using to oppress people in your office or community, someone sat there before you and he is no more there today and someone else is already warming up to sit there after you.
I am David, from Akwa Ibom state. I have learned this the hard way. I have lost money, I have been betrayed by people I helped, I have seen business close. And in all of that, one thing remained, who I was, not what I had.
So why should we be kind if nothing belongs to us?
Because kindness is the only thing that remains after we are gone.
People will forget the car you drove. They will forget the shoes you wore. But they will never forget how you made them feel when they had nothing.
I met a woman in the market yesterday. She sells bread, she told me, Oga, you dashed me money last week when my child was sick, I still dey pray for you. Yes, I had forgotten aout it but she did not.
That is what belongs to us and not the house nor the car, but the impact.
Since that day in Uyo, I decided to live lighter, I don't argue over things that will not matter in few years time, I forgive quickly, because I don't own the person, I only own my peace and I give when I can, because I am just a caretaker of what God gave me, not the real owner.
If you are reading this and you are holding something too tightly like a grudge, a property, a position, please loosen your hand small and let them go. Your peace is important. And also remember belongs to us which is the main reason why we should be kind to everyone.
What is one thing you used to think you owned, until life taught you that you were only a caretaker?
Share with me, I want to learn from you too.