A moment of awareness happened to me recently.
It was still dark, around 5 a.m, when I set out to start my day with a brief walk within the estate. I was beginning to feel like I was the only one on that trail when I sighted what looked like a human figure far ahead of me.
It was difficult to tell whether it was moving or standing still.
As I got closer, I realised it was actually a woman taking a walk too, although she walked slowly.
Just at that moment, I heard quick steps behind me.
I did not need to turn around to see who it was. I believe I have come to recognise those running steps as those of one man I often meet at that hour of the morning. He runs every morning.
Taking another look at the woman walking slowly in her lane, thinking about the running man who had already given me a good distance, and myself, who had caught up with the woman and was already ahead of her, all three of us reminded me of how differently we show up in life. Yet, it was that woman’s courage that my spirit applauded the most.
From the way she walked, one could tell that it must have been a struggle for her to leave the comfort of her bed that morning, but she was outside anyway.
Here are the things I think we should appreciate about life, too.
When it comes to rewards, life does not care about how fast you run or how slowly you walk. What life rewards is consistent effort, which is fuelled by determination.
It is more than enough for life that you have the courage to keep showing up.
I wish we could truly internalise this reality and beat ourselves up less about who is ahead, and also stop mocking those we feel are behind us.
As long as people are showing up and doing their best, only life reserves the right to decide everyone’s fate.
Another interesting early morning encounter I often have is with a woman who goes to morning Mass.
The way she walks shows that she has had paralysis affecting one side of her body, yet she is always very cheerful.
Apart from the way she walks, I am not sure I would recognise her in broad daylight, yet we greet each other with so much familiarity.
“Sister, good morning.”
“My dear, how are you today? How is the family? God bless your day.”
A few remarkable things about her:
She stops to acknowledge and respond to greetings.
Her spoken English and accent are very impressive.
She never fails to respond cheerfully.
I often encourage the elderly around me who are able to start their day with religious devotion. It is a beautiful way to begin the day, and such a lovely way to invoke positivity.
It is even more beautiful if your place of worship is within walking distance of your home, as you are also incorporating a brief morning exercise into your day.
Every time I run into that lady walking cheerfully to morning Mass in her physical state, I am reminded again that what matters is how you choose to show up in life, regardless of your reality.
She probably does not know that the “Good morning, Sister” I say to her whenever we meet carries so much admiration and encouragement.
Someone else in her shoes is probably asking ‘’God why me’’ every morning or has stopped believing in God but not this woman. Every morning sees her going to her God in all cheerfulness!
The final encounter that I had that morning was with a young man who stood outside the gate (where I walk to and turn back).
Out of concern, I informed him that the gate was not usually opened by that time of the morning, meaning that he would have to walk down to the main security gate. But his response gave me a surprise.
He told me that his mother is the woman who sells ‘’akara’’ in front of that gate and he had just helped her to drop some items and waiting for her to arrive, so that he can take his leave.
I know the woman but I didn’t know that she has such a grown-up son.
I am often inspired by how early she shows up for her business. Most times, she’s at that gate before 5:30 am.
This is a reminder to encourage, support and respect anybody making genuine efforts to put food on their table. You have no idea what it takes them to show up daily.
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