Neighbourly Kindness

 

A Grateful Sunday: Recovery, Recalibration, and the Gift of Good Neighbors

Sundays have a unique rhythm, don’t they? They’re the days for relaxing, recovering, and recalibrating for the week ahead. After a long week of hustle and bustle, Sundays serve as a pause button, offering us the chance to breathe, reflect, and recharge. For me, this Sunday came as a much-needed recovery day after ascending Aso Rock a physical and emotional feat that left me both drained and exhilarated.

As the golden rays of the sun filtered through my cotton curtains, gently nudging me awake, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of life. Isn’t it amazing how the simplest moments sunlight spilling into a room, the cheerful chirping of birds, or the rooster’s crow announcing the dawn can remind us of life’s preciousness?

Life is bittersweet, isn’t it? With each break of dawn comes a unique gift—a chance to start anew, to embrace both joy and challenges. As I lay there, basking in the morning glow, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I’m still here, still breathing, still alive. And while life isn’t always easy, it’s these moments of reflection that ground me.

Grateful for the Gift of Challenges

Challenges shape us. They mould us into stronger, wiser versions of ourselves. As I reflected on my week, I reminded myself that every obstacle I faced was an opportunity to grow. It’s easy to wish for a smooth ride, but the truth is, it’s the bumps along the way that build resilience. And for that, I’m grateful.

I had planned to stay indoors all day, giving myself time to recover fully. But life, as it often does, had other plans. A call from my neighbour disrupted my lazy Sunday plans, but in the best way possible. “We’re heading to the market,” my neighbour said. “Do you need anything?” Initially, I declined. I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I had the energy to leave the house.

But something nudged me to change my mind. Within seconds, I found myself saying, “Wait, actually, yes. I’ll join you.” And just like that, I was part of the crew heading to the market a decision that turned out to be one of the best I’ve made in a long time.

The Market Adventure and Neighbourly Kindness

With breakfast in hand, I hopped into the car, determined to eat on the go so I wouldn’t delay my neighbours. The market trip was nothing short of an adventure, filled with humour, camaraderie, and the kind of warmth that reminds you of humanity’s goodness.

There was a little drama about my hat it seemed to become the topic of light-hearted banter. Bas, one of my neighbours, is a master of sarcasm, but Mr. Victor might just give him a run for his money. Their humour is sharp and dark, but if you can appreciate it, you’ll find yourself laughing uncontrollably. Then there’s Moses, the gentle soul in our group. But don’t mistake his gentleness for weakness he’s sharp, observant, and full of quiet wisdom.

As we navigated the bustling market, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for these wonderful people. Mr. Victor, whom I jokingly call “Oga,” had been the one to extend the invitation. “We thought you might need something,” he said when he called me earlier. How thoughtful is that? In a world where kindness often feels like a rarity, these neighbours of mine are a shining example of what it means to look out for one another.

The Goat Meat Saga

When we got home, the day took an even more interesting turn. Mr. Moses decided to cook the goat meat we had bought, much to everyone’s excitement. Mr. Victor, ever the culinary enthusiast, chimed in with, “Add pepper so the meat go slap well!” (For my non-Pidgin-speaking friends, this is a slang phrase meaning the meat would be irresistibly tasty.) Moses, however, disagreed.

Curious, I asked Moses why he thought it was a bad idea. “Nope,” I quickly added, “it’s a very good idea!” Eventually, he agreed, deciding to prepare stew with the goat meat. But just as things were getting interesting, AEDC the Nigerian electricity provider reminded us who’s boss. The power went out, making it impossible to blend the tomatoes for the stew.

Enter Mr. Bas, the instigator, who decided to feast on the goat meat before the stew could be made. Mr. Victor, ever ready for fun, joined him in this “meat raid.” Moses, however, was not amused. “This is a bad idea,” he protested, shaking his head. “Our parents raised us not to eat the meat before the stew is ready!”

We all burst out laughing. That rule felt like ancient history! Who could resist soft, spicy goat meat fresh from the pot? Not me, that’s for sure. I joined in the feasting, savouring every bite. The meat was perfectly seasoned, tender, and full of flavour. Goat meat is truly a delicacy, and this particular batch was unforgettable.

The Beauty of Connection

This entire experience reminded me of the beauty of connection and community. A simple market trip turned into an adventure, and an ordinary meal preparation became a bonding moment filled with laughter and shared memories.

My neighbours’ kindness and humour made the day special. They turned what could have been a mundane Sunday into a joyful, memorable one. It’s these moments that make life beautiful the laughter, the shared meals, and the sense of belonging.

A World in Need of Kindness

In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone seems to be focused on their own lives, finding people who genuinely care about others is a rare gift. My neighbours are a testament to the power of kindness and community. Their thoughtful actions and willingness to include me in their plans made my day brighter and my heart fuller.

Gratitude and a Call to Action

As I reflect on this Sunday, I am immensely grateful not just for the market trip and the goat meat but for the lesson it taught me. Life is beautiful, even in its imperfections. And the people we surround ourselves with can make all the difference.

To anyone reading this, I have a simple request: Be the kind of person who makes someone else’s life easier, even in small ways. Call that friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Check on your neighbours. Offer a helping hand. You never know how much your thoughtfulness might mean to someone.

And to those who already spread kindness wherever they go, thank you. You are the glue holding this world together.

Life is a Gift

As the day comes to a close, I can’t help but marvel at how beautifully life unfolds when we allow ourselves to be open to its surprises. Challenges will come, yes. But so will moments of joy, connection, and gratitude.

To my neighbours, if you’re reading this (and I might just send this to you), thank you. Your kindness turned an ordinary Sunday into an extraordinary one. I am honoured and grateful to have you in my life.

To everyone else, let’s strive to be like my neighbours thoughtful, kind, and willing to extend a helping hand. In a world that often feels divided, small acts of kindness can bring us closer together.

Here’s my call to action for you: The next time you have the chance to be kind, take it. The next time you see someone who might need a little help, offer it. And the next time life surprises you with an unexpected adventure, embrace it. You never know it might just turn out to be one of the best decisions of your life.

Let’s make kindness our mission and gratitude our mindset. Life is too short to do otherwise.