If you become the first lady of this country in future, will you relinquish your position in the face of national crisis? ’’…this million dollar question hit me like a double edged sword, pierced my fragile heart and left me numb in the presence of my class teacher. My mind quickly scanned through the words, inciting my imagination to run wild with the vista of ‘a first lady’s office’. I reasoned that the nature of the national crisis would determine to a large extent what my reaction would be…If it’s a coup and real time information reveals that security is out of control.. I will not only relinquish the position, I will definitely break into a run!!! Of course I will advice my husband, the President to do the same. This thrilling mind-movie was suddenly stopped by the loving arms of my teacher, her warmth brought me back to reality. Today, I remember my first leadership role during my teenage years in the junior secondary school. My zest and insatiable hunger for learning endeared the hearts of all my teachers and classmates to me(I was nicknamed: small but mighty) little wonder I was unanimously elected as the class captain even though I was the youngest.
I must confess the first few weeks were exciting, I enjoyed the privileges of being the class captain…chocolates, biscuits, plantain chips, drinks..the rain of gifts made me big headed! I didn’t know some of the gifts were baits until a day when the chief giver intentionally disobeyed one of the class rules. I boldly confronted her and observed that she was hard hearted, she offensively demanded that I return all the gifts she had given me…haa… what a scamp! I remained assertive, and commanded her to do the needful in the presence of the whole class however I was shocked when the rest of the class except for two students formed a rebel group against me. The rebels reminded me that I was the youngest in the class and must learn to bend the rules once in a while. I was totally disillusioned by this hullabaloo.
In a bid to forestall more pandemonium I ran to the teachers block, narrated the whole incidence to my class teacher and strongly appealed to her that I was no longer interested in acting as the class captain. In fact I immediately dropped the class register and the captain badge on her table and reiterated that my mind was made up. Miss Koya took a deep breath, fixed her eyes on me and asked the million dollar question. ‘’If you become the first lady of this country in future, will you relinquish your position in the face of national crisis?’’ I was still for some minutes..obviously she caught my attention, I couldn’t even mutter a word, in the absence of an answer, she counseled me to be patient. She stood up gracefully, followed me to the class and addressed the situation. The rebel leader and her allies apologized to me and surrendered themselves for punishment.
Subsequently, I refused any unnecessary gift and regained the vigor to discharge my duties remarkably. Fortunately I completed my tenure successfully.. guess what? Today, the ‘rebel’ leader and I are the best of friends..of course we’ve outgrown our childish ways and understand each other better..hmm ‘surulere!’ (Patience is highly rewarding). I remain grateful to Miss Koya, my exceptional teacher who mentored me, moreover gave me the courage to forge ahead, and not relinquish my position in the face of ‘class’ crisis. Apparently, my first practical leadership lesson was that my intelligence was not enough to govern the class, I needed relational skills coupled with sound wisdom and a good dose of patience to be able to understand the peculiarity of each student. That was a turning point for me.
•Continued online
Dear friend, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete..James 1:1-4. I read this scripture this morning and my heart lit up with joy unspeakable.
Frankly, my way has been rough since I graduated from the university..on and off paid employment and now an entrepreneur.. hmm..double trouble! My entrepreneurial journey has been adventurous however saddled with uncertainties. I realised that skills and competence are not enough, administration and marketing are equally critical to the growth of any start up. Moreover, the ability to discern and maximize opportunities can never be downplayed. In the light of available financial resources at my disposal, I perform all these roles..the way is really rough.
Now I understand clearly that the rough road has created a right environment for the seed of patience to grow inside of me. I chose to let it grow! I refused to be anxious( Holding on to Faith). I decided to take joy in the dignity of labor and pursue excellence in all I do. I am convinced that the seed of patience is flourishing in me. Now I boldly face the seemingly impossible obstacles that stand strong on my path to significance in life. Please learn from me! Nobody is born with the innate ability to be patient rather it is developed.
Patience as a virtue doesn’t connote slackness rather it’s a state whereby your instincts are sharpened enough to understand the signification of time within the context of opportunities, the capacity to tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. Recently I learned from one of my Muslim friends that patience is the best gift you can give anyone; No one is promised “blessings” and “mercy from the Lord” except the patient.
… To be continued next week.