Free Yourself!

As I sat at the table next to two gentlemen, waiting to be served lunch, I overheard their conversation, and it truly got me thinking.

One of them, a married man blessed with two adorable daughters, spoke about them in glowing terms. However, he was deeply troubled because he desperately wanted a son. From his expression, one might have thought he had just lost someone dear to him. His friend spent the entire time consoling him. Really? You must be joking!

Meanwhile, the friend offering comfort was himself burdened by his prolonged bachelorhood. Despite being successful in other aspects of his life, he was worried about finding a ‘good girl’ to marry.

As I listened to these men, I began to reflect on how diverse and endless human needs and desires can be—though they may be legitimate.

First, a person worries about finding a spouse. Then, they stress over having a grand wedding. Once married, the concern shifts to having children, followed by the anxiety of whether they will arrive immediately or take time. If children do come, then there is worry about their gender or number. Another couple, already blessed with two children, might be anxious about having more, forgetting that somewhere, another couple is fervently praying just to have one.

Human desires seem endless. The moment one need is met, another arises almost immediately. While it is good to strive for self-improvement and aim for the best in life, it is equally important to cultivate gratitude. Some blessings we take for granted are still someone else’s deepest prayer. And those blessings did not come to us because we deserved them more than others.

Be grateful for where you are in life and in your journey. Celebrate the blessings you have now. If you focus too much on what is missing, you will fail to appreciate the beauty in what you already have—things that others, perhaps older than you, are still hoping for.

Free yourself. If you are alive, thank God for the gift of life and enjoy it. If you are single, be thankful. If you are married, be thankful. If you have just one child, be thankful. If you are blessed with more, be thankful. If you have been married for years without children, consider adopting and showering that child with love as though they were your own.

Stop worrying. Stop fretting. Whatever stage of life you are in, be grateful and enjoy it. Do what you can, then leave the rest in God’s capable hands. Remember, you came into this world with nothing, and it is certain you will take nothing with you when you leave.

Free yourself and embrace the gift of life.

By Sharoneez Emephia