ONLY REMEMBERED

With much persuasion, i joined the solemn procession to the front of the altar undecided if I should look into the beautifully designed box, as my unsteady steps approached the box my eyes gave in to the voice that said just have a peep.

With sullen faces all around and the view in the box, the reality dawned on me that that this humble and committed brother was no more to tread the surface of this earth.

It was the remains of Mr. E. Galadima lying in state as we paid our last respect. Memories of him flood my mind as he stood before a congregation addressing the plight of beggars, which he had spent a good part of his time attending to their physical needs in sickness, in deprivation, being homeless and their spiritual needs.  When I heard him talk about these group of people the passion in his voice and compassion in his eyes steered me, I could hardly imagine how anyone remembered and even took interest in this segment of society to the point where their problems became his burden to bear.  I know this must have been a tough call for him, but he remained faithful even when he could have quit , seeing that he wasn’t paid to do it…I guess that’s the difference between a  shepherd and a hireling.

For a man who served quietly in a small church, I was stunned at the crowd that thronged the large auditorium and its exterior to honour him, a man who could not be defined by the word popular perhaps in the circle of the beggars where he found his calling and all touched by his calm demeanor. Indeed he’s was a life well spent.

When I read eulogies on the pages of news papers, that of friends posted on face book or bbm status, of lives they’ve been touched by, there is always some deep sense of loss at the passing of a dear one, those feelings for which many including me are not strangers too. but the walk beside his coffin today reminded me that one day it could be me lying there... and importantly for those of us who believe in life after death what would the one who controlled time have to say of our time on earth? …I think it’s important we take heed to how we live on earth, for someday what earth will have us would be memories, and what would those memories be??

As we live our lives daily, it’s interesting the things we worry about… the pursuit of our dreams, visions, daily bread and more. we must ensure that our lives have more meaning than where we work, what we earn, social status, people we roll with, deals we strike, being on the cover of magazines  etc though all of these aren’t bad in themselves, but the byproduct of something more worthwhile. Experiences like this remind us of the things that are truly important, the things that will keep our memory eternal and fruits long after we are gone. Our actions and decisions here on earth sow seeds for us in eternity where it really matters. May our lives on earth leave lasting memories after we are gone.