I have a friend that sends me a prayer daily.
Not a generic broadcast, but specific to me.
A Muslim that offers prayers for a Christian.
We met when I was a first line manager and he was a cleaner. I always make out time to chat with cleaners, because they are the first to notice changes in the environment. One thing you quickly notice with cleaners is how great the responsibility their broom or mop carries.
He was not only trying to get an education with his salary, he was also caring for his family. His greatest pride was saying he worked in a company, but he was being crushed by the responsibilities.
I quickly noticed that asking him to let go of some of his responsibilities was bad advice. He could not bear to hold funds while people that nurtured him literally went hungry. When we discussed that if he died today, those he is slaving for would still find a way to live, he said something profound – “It will not matter to me how they are faring when I’m dead. I will be dead. But as long as I live, I will care for them.”
He finally outgrew the bragging rights of working for a company and started out in business. First it was baking bread, now it is farming. I act as a free consultant for him, whenever he needs my input, and as a cheerleader for him, whenever he shares victories on his timeline.
Yesterday was his birthday, and warm wishes were shared, but today, I celebrate him on my blog.
Abiodun Salami Gbolagade, may each day rise to meet your expectations.
– Osasu Oviawe