THE PEACE STORY…

I’ve chosen to talk about this , because sometimes, it may feel like  Life is filled with memories of our darkest hours and loneliest nights.It may feel like not much good comes from the world, anyway, so why bother…

On the contrary, very much good comes from the Universe, and in our pursuit of the things which we feel may bring us happiness,we often miss this goodness.

This goodness is very much within and around us, and it is etched deep within the stories of our lives….

Instances when we’ve been touched by the purest form of love from someone  or something, could often take the back stage, as we meander our ways through life.

One such moment for me, was about 13 years ago,on my way back  to Medical school. For those of us who have no idea about the location , never mind. It is inconsequential in the scheme of things, what is useful is the message..

On this journey I met a Lady, called Peace. She was very chatty and full of life and was sat next to me. She would go on and on about varied topics and get me very involved , and as she was sat next to me, I had no choice but to join in.

What was really intriguing was her zest for life. We were both in our respective universities and enrolled into different courses, but we had a common ground.Music!(that’s another topic for discussion)

She began by telling  me how she’d started her  musical journey , from sending her demos to different producers, to finally landing a recording deal.At the time, She was on the verge of releasing her first gospel music album.This journey was the culmination of a pre-release meeting with her Producer.

Often times during the journey , I would inwardly crave some silence , but she wouldn’t have any of it! She kept me entertained with her endless stories..

Then the real journey started… our vehicle had a breakdown and we waited hours while it underwent repairs. We then re-started our journey , only to have another breakdown shortly after.

It was getting rather late at this point, and I was getting worried thinking about the second leg of my journey , from Port Harcourt to Aba.

We again re-started our journey, only to be met with yet another breakdown! At this point I was getting very frantic.

What I noticed about Peace , was that, she never complained. She kept smiling and chatting all the way , she kept trying to put me at ease, and she remained positive all the way, never giving in to deflation.

We eventually got to the city of Port-Harcourt in the dead of the night, and I was the only passenger who had another journey to make, giving the driver a reason to blatantly refuse making the follow on journey.

I was on the verge of breaking down into panic/screaming mode, when I felt a hand on my shoulder ! It was Peace and she said o me .. Ral, listen to me. Don’t waste your breath and your peace! Look around you, it is pitch dark , I will not let you make this second journey into Aba. You may not have known me, nor I you, prior to this journey, but I know you now, and you know me now.Come and have a rest in my place and first thing tomorrow morning, you can re-commence your journey.

I took that with some trepidation and realised that I had very little,(if any at all) choice left. With our bags on our backs we journeyed on to Peace’s “self contained” room.

She made me feel ever so comfortable, and gave up her tiny bed for me. I must say that I did sleep with one eye open , because, it was most unusual to experience this sort of kindness. We’d always heard of people being exploited by others and as such, had to be wary of exceptional kindness from strangers.

The next morning,When I woke up, a bucket of warm water was ready in the bathroom for me to wash with,and she  was happily making our breakfast, yet still remaining her chirpy self. Seeing her all smiles, no one would have guessed that She’d slept on the hard floor all night.She’d given up her bed for a stranger, yet was never resentful!

We ate breakfast together, and She saw me off to the transport station , before heading off for her lectures.We exchanged numbers and I thanked her immensely for her kindness. We said we would keep in touch , but never did , as life events overtook us…

Many years have gone by,I have my own life and I’m sure she has her’s too….. I’ve searched the internet countless times looking for a Nigerian gospel artist named Peace, but either found many faces that I’ve been unable to recognise or found none at all.

Today I’m sending positive thoughts to Peace, My Family, My friends wherever they may be, My neighbours ,Acquaintances, colleagues , everyone that has crossed my path at some point or the other in life…..May the Peace of the Universe continually be with Peace and all of us….

I’ve met loads of people on my journey through life , who have had an amazing impact on me. No matter how little you may think your words, acts , and thoughts were or are, they have been overtly special to me, and you all know who you are. It’s all of you!

If You’ve never heard the words “Thank You” from me , I’m saying it now. Thank You!

I’m most grateful for having met all the people who are part of my life currently, have been part of it in the past,  and those I’m yet to come in contact with . It doesn’t matter when, or whether we are still in touch.

All that matters is that we met and  I’m immensely grateful for all the experience

When we have a chance to take a pause and reflect, we may find many instances in our lives when we’ve been touched by a stranger , even for just one fleeting moment.

It would be lovely to think of someone unexpected, who’s done something unexpected for us, and notice that warmth and smile creep up on our faces.

It may be as simple as another driver letting you get onto the main road from a corner street, having waited ages for a chance….It may be a stranger on a train getting up for you to sit down, because you’re too heavily pregnant to remain standing and it actually shows….. It may be a stranger helping you with your luggage because he/she noticed that it was a tad too heavy for your frame….It may be a driver cheering you on from his car whilst you’re panting and heaving, trying to complete your 5k morning runs……….the list goes on and on …..

Let us be grateful for the “PEACE’s” in our lives….

Once again,wishing us all a fantastic week….

One Love….

Ral ….