Life

A boat docked in a tiny Mexican fishing village.

A tourist complimented the local fishermen
on the quality of their fish and asked
how long it took him to catch them.



"Not very long." they answered in unison.

"Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?"

The fishermen explained that their small catches were
sufficient to meet their needs and those of their families.


"But what do you do with the rest of your time?"


"We sleep late, fish a little, play with our children,
and take siestas with our wives.
In the evenings, we go into the village to see our friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs.


We have a full life."

The tourist interrupted,


"I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you!
You should start by fishing longer every day.
You can then sell the extra fish you catch.
With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."


"And after that?"

"With the extra money the larger boat will bring,
you can buy a second one and a third one
and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.
Instead of selling your fish to a middle man,
you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants
and maybe even open your own plant.


You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City , Los Angeles , or even New York City !

[

From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."

"How long would that take?"

"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years." replied the tourist.

"And after that?"

"After wards? Well my friend, that's when it gets really interesting, " answered the tourist, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!"

"Millions? Really? And after that?" asked the fishermen.





"After that you'll be able to retire,
live in a tiny village near the coast,
sleep late, play with your children,
catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife
and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."

"With all due respect sir, but that's exactly what we are doing now. So what's the point wasting twenty-five years?" asked the Mexicans.

And the moral of this story is:



Know where you're going in life....

you may already be there

Touched By An Angel

Yesterday my friend Angella Kyomuka passed on. Today as I reflected on her short life the concept of eternity was re-birthed in my mind. This is because I believe without a doubt that when Angella’s earthly clocked stopped her heavenly one started ticking.
Naturally in the midst of grief I had so many questions for God, all starting with why. It has been said God communicates in various way. Luckily for me He answered some of my questions today in the funeral service held for Angella at All Saints Church Kampala. The Reverend called the service a celebration of life and how rightfully so.
Angels do exist. This departed friend of mine was one and this fact came to life for me in her death. How do you explain a smile in whatever the circumstances, joy where there should be tears, love where there should be hate, giving when you are in need yourself.
Above all that her life was purpose driven as reflected in the eulogy by different people. All of us have a purpose in life but not all of us fulfil it especially as most are oblivious to their purpose on earth. Not this angel, she knew what she was here for and to her to live was Christ and to die gain.
Even as she lay in front of the church lifeless her brother gave his life to Jesus. Unlike other times before today when others have come home to Jesus because of this angel’s stewardship, this time she was there in heaven to celebrate with the other angels. I can’t help but imagine her dancing away. Indeed I can only imagine.
In memory of Angella, I pledge (So Help Me Good) to have a joyous attitude and to keep my eyes fixed on the cross. This is not easy but by His grace and mercy she excelled even in the midst of pain.
“It is enough that I live and die for Christ,who is to all His Followers a gain both in life and in death.” John Calvin.
The likes of John Calvin and Martin Luther stood for you Lord in the dark era so grant me grace to stand regardless cos i was touched by Angella.

The All Knowing God

I guess everyone has their ups and downs. Many times when I am having my lows I call a friend of mine, Miriam and tell her it is one of those days blah blah and then we encourage each other and if am lucky the moment quickly passes.
The start of the week is always one of those moments. I don’t know if it is because most people hate Mondays and have said so many negative things that naturally you start feeling the ill vibes as soon as Monday morning clocks in. One wise person has said, “You must define your enemy to defeat your enemy.” Having worked out that concept I decided to get armed for Monday because I didn’t want another definite low down moment. And how amazingly it happened this morning with the word in Mark 4:21-34 and what stood out for me is; “And he said, so is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into ground. And should sleep and rise night and day and the seed should spring and grow up, he knows not how.” Key words for me where, “He knows not how.” And how true of so much of life. We can’t even imagine how we breathe without choking or running out of air or going to bed and just waking the next morning, especially considering the fact that other people don’t make it. But God alone knows how.
There is a lot in my life now that I don’t know but the fact that the Lord knows I choose not to be anxious and instead focus on the fact that the all knowing one is in charge. Because He is in charge I can rest and leave the How to Him.

Happy Birthday

“Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.”
March is one of those months, not only do I finally get to acknowledge the New Year but also celebrate the birthday of 3 special friends.
Getting older and all I have learnt to appreciate that we are all different and more so with the example of a good friend Miriam (20th March) who tolerates just about anyone and tries to see the best in everyone; totally amazing.
Then there is Paula (7th March) who is that strong pillar. And just like in a well built house she is very invisible most of the time but then you know she is right there right when you need her.
Oh and the lovely Lydia(12th March), you just got to love her. She is so full of life and so me in so many ways. I just love her energy for life and her love for God.
To all the above lovely ladies, Happy birthday, many returns. I love that you are my cheerleaders and are a part of my inner circle. My prayer is that our book may be read again over and over. Love you.
“Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold, because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold!”

Staying Afloat At All Costs

Did you know that God is able to do more immeasurable things than we can ask for .And yet many times we have asked and not received. Many times too we have been good and got bad. We have had to watch evil people get the good that they did not in our “judgemental minds” deserve. We have searched for answers and got none. So how do we handle such situations? I ain’t no doctor here...
If we are double minded we might as well not ask. So it is best we start by knowing the sovereignty of God and who we are before God. God knows our specific needs and at the right time he will definitely make a way. After all even the ethicists believe the right attitude takes you to the right altitude.
I have learnt that spending time being bitter over a situation only makes you more bitter, so you are better off trying walking in faith, embracing faith and being faith, in other words living in hope.
For he who fears the Lord according to Psalms 112 delights in God’s commands, carries on with righteous life .In darkness his light shines through and has a fixed heart.
To sum it up if you are following; the best we can do when we have no answers is to stand firm, for God is faithful especially when you walk in His ways. Think positively at all times and you will conquer.

Grateful

Rhythms of Grace

Grace...That has been playing on my mind since last night. Of late been fretting and worrying so much about tomorrow and then suddenly it dawned on me; I have no control about tomorrow and no amount of analyzing, fretting, planning can change what is to be. To make it even better, God has it all in control, He is working behind the scenes.

Somehow I Know and am assured that whatever happens it will work out for good eventually. This good I must admit is not easily seen in the middle of a dry season but then there is that believe, that hope, that peace that the good book calls peace that surpasses all human understanding.

I just couldn’t help staring at the birds today, on the bare trees they hardly looked sheltered and yet God does provide for them, surely how much more will he be there for me .After all I am made in His own image.

Matt 6:25-35

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? Look up at the birds of the air they do not sow or reap or store away barns and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Just how amazing is our God, full of grace and splendour. I know the flesh is bound to get the better of me and push me to the long train of thoughts…but that doesn’t take away the sovereignty of my God and the assurance of  my future because of His great love and grace. He is surely worthy.