BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU TAKE IN!

 

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU TAKE IN

Written By: Esther IbukunOluwa Oyekunle

Sometimes back, I enrolled online with one Professor of Psychology for tutorship and mentoring. I met over 80 participants there who also, like me, have interest in attitude and behaviour change communication. The class seemed to be completely all I desired.

Soon, our tutor told us that we’d have our first time out. Everyone was happy especially someone like me that had never been out of the southwest. Well, we would go to a remote village in Adamawa state and would have the opportunity to talk to people, know their needs, and then provide solution to individual problems with our words. He made it more enticing when he said, “You’ll understand people, and why they act the way they do” Oh yeah! My exact point of calling. My parents just had to allow me!

We were set to go. Only about 40 people registered and I was opportune to be among because my parents trusted the tutor a lot especially after knowing that he was a church member. Lol!
As we journeyed, many of us became hungry. We had eaten the little coconut given to us by the tutor at the travelling point. We were glad when he gave us the coconut and we expected that in another couple of hours, he would feed us with something better. About three hours later, he passed another big bowl of coconut for me to pass round and almost everyone started mumbling. “Coconuts will soon grow on our heads”
“Why did I even come sef, When I could have just stayed in my own house and enjoy mummy’s meal…”

As I got to my sit, I asked the tutor, “Sir, are we getting there any time soon”
“Yes my dear” was his response.
Then I turned back, “Relax people, we’ll soon be there”
Like four hours later, it was getting dark; many had slept and those awake didn’t stop complaining. I became mad within me, “what’s wrong with these people sef. Can’t they just be like me? I haven’t eaten too!” I then looked at our tutor and asked if he had something else for us to eat, he replied in the affirmative and gave me another bowl of coconut.
“What! Sir, is it truly just coconut we’ll eat? These people said they want real food- meat, fish and the likes” My tutor only smiled. I was vexed in my spirit, “Why did you even choose me to sit by you sef, people have been complaining and looking at me one kind. This is sad for me to bear. I am also like them na.”

“Why are you complaining? It’s alright. Kindly tell the people that they’ll eat real food soon. They will be tired of the food and will soon die of food. Is that not what they want?” The tutor said to me his eyes burning red.

Out of joy, I announced, “The director has said we will soon eat o. He said we will get tired of the food and die…”
Everyone jumped in happiness.

Soon, we got to a nice restaurant and we all moved in, the director called me and two others to sit at his table. It was a privilege. The people at the other tables were served their meals but we weren’t. I decided to keep quiet. As the foods were served, many of those who complained on the way ate and died. I became shocked and afraid.

“Sir, is it poisoned? Somebody help us.”
Our tutor only looked on and said, “They almost rejected me and made me feel bad that I brought them on this journey. They spoke rudely to me forgetting all I once did for them. All those who complained are the dead ones now. They craved for what is not.”

……………

So many of us blame our parents, teachers and other leaders whenever they deprive us of something we feel is best for us. We desire to go by our own way and even frustrate these people to allowing us go our way.
What are you taking in? The illustration above is an allegorical representation of the Israelites’ story at Camp Taberah (Numbers chapter 11). They complained to Moses, doubted God and even said that they preferred the land of suffering where God delivered them from. Of course, they got what they deserved.

Get rid of all complaints. Trust God. Do not be tempted to remind God of your beautiful past and lament that there’s actually no joy in serving him.
Do not allow anyone to feed you with anything that will turn your heart away from God. There is really nothing as sweet as serving God and trusting Him for provision. Keep believing! Be careful what you take in. Be purposeful!

‘Don’t always be asking, “Where are the good old days?” Wise folks don’t ask questions like that.’
Eccl 7:10 (MSG)