NOT LIKE THE REST

Walking for a mile or two, he finally got to his destination - Renton community school. It was Karl’s first day in high school, and just like any other kid making their first appearance in a new school, he had mixed feelings. He paused outside the school premises for a while, in a bid to observe and get himself mentally prepared for what he called ‘life in a different world’.

He watched other kids get out of their lush cars, hug their parents and make their way into the premises wearing a smile. Quickly, he thought to himself “Well, they sure do look excited to be in school. After all, they have parents coming to drop them off at school, squeezing a few bucks into their hands, and even giving them personal drivers, so why on earth should they be sad?”

While he yet stared, a young lady (Britney) walked up to him, and asked if it was his first day in school. Karl replied, “Uhmm yes, and you?” “Well, this is my fourth, and I’m still trying to get acquainted with things around here. Come let me show you around”, said Britney. For a second Karl was reluctant, but a nudge from Britney was enough to loosen him up.

Britney had a great sense of humour. She was very outspoken, so it didn’t take long for her to get into a bit of trouble, even on her first day in school. Everybody fell in love with her because of her bravery. Now Karl on the other hand was a very reserved, anti-social stick-to-all-the-rules-and-regulations kinda dude. He believed so much in respecting people’s privacy and of course, staying out of trouble.

Anywayz, she took Karl around the school - from the library, to the mini-theatre, the sports complex and even to restricted areas within the premises. Karl felt a bit uncomfortable, but gradually blended into Britney’s world of adventures.

After covering every nook and cranny of the school, they sat in the fields to catch their breath. Karl abruptly stopped talking. From the look on His face Britney knew there was a problem, so she asked Karl what he was worried about. “nothing!” He said.

Karl got up, dusted his bag and dashed away. Britney quickly followed him, but he increased his tempo as he made his way to the hall way. “Hold on, Karl”, Britney screamed, but the young man didn’t even look back. Britney lost him along the hallway which was crammed with students. “Whatever”, she said, as she wandered off with some other friends.

Karl got to class shortly before the period was over. The other students dashed out of the class the moment the bell buzzed - some making their way to the school’s shuttles, and others to their cars, but he just sat there in class, gazing out the window waiting for everyone to exit the premises.

The moment Karl noticed everyone had gone home, he grabbed his bag and walked down the hallway with his chin almost touching his chest, and tears rolling down his eyes. He wasn’t looking forward to that brick house (his home), poorly-furnished and without a swimming pool. He felt cheated by nature. He wondered why some had more than enough at their disposal, while others could barely survive – drowning in penury.

There are a lot of questions begging for answers…a lot of problems craving solutions. I have some myself. Notwithstanding, I have grown beyond that. I’m pushing harder, breaking through barricades with my tiny hammer; threading paths rarely trodden; doing things I never thought I could do because ‘they’ said thinking about it alone will be a sheer waste of time. I amaze myself at times (Yeah. I said it). And I thank God who has been faithful to me.

I hope you’re not like the rest? When I say ‘the rest’ I mean those who’d love to swap races or nationalities because of benefits they feel they’ll get; or the ones who’d say “if only I can turn back the hands of time, I’ll dash back to high school so I can choose a more lucrative career path. Someone must have tried or even succeeded in deceiving you into believing that you have to change who you are, to become who you want to be. That sounds like changing the colour of your skin, or going for a plastic surgery to extend your limbs, if you ask me.

Maybe someone discouraged you from playing basketball cos you’re below 6.2ft tall. Well, the last time I checked Allen Iverson (one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in NBA history), Jameer Nelson (also an effective shooter and screen-roll player), Tim hardaway, and even Spud Webb (who registered jaw-dropping dunks), weren’t up to 6.2ft tall. They all became stars by overcoming huge impediments, both inside and outside the court.

Listen. The more people say you can’t achieve something because of your physical limitations or cultural background, the more I expect you to try to shut them up, by making an attempt anyway. (That shouldn’t be your sole aim though). You don’t owe anyone to debunk their perception about you (as long as you’re not doing the wrong thing), but you owe yourself to get rid of inferiority complex. If no one believes in you, believe in yourself. They’ll come around, soon enough. “The only limitations are the ones you want to see” – BOUQUI (Have you listened to ‘TAKE YOU AWAY’? beautiful song).

Meanwhile, the bible says “godliness with contentment is great gain” I Tim 6:6 and verse 8 says “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” -- Frederick Keonig

We are all unique in our own ways – God made us so. Discover your strength and capitalize on it. Be content with what you have. Funny, but I remember someone saying “anyone taller than me is too tall, and anyone shorter than me is too short.” <<<--- I don’t know whose quip this is. You’re perfect…just the way you are!

Now, say this “I’m not inferior to anyone!!!!!” …..

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” – Empicurus quote.

Be content with what you have. Work Hard. Pray Harder. Thank God.