THE ENCOUNTER

"Oh my God! How would I would I settle these children's bills?" Tolu called me from school that another semester has started and I have to settle her tuition fee, Sola also came home yesterday that he needs to pay his WAEC and JAMB fee, I promised Tony that I would buy him a guitar for his birthday. I had all these thoughts ravaging my mind that I almost stumbled at an unnoticed stone. I got into my car after the usual closing hour from office to pick small Lola. As I drove along the dusty lonely paths, I remembered that I discussed with Lola's teacher the previous day that she would bring the money for her remedial classes. While I was still thinking of that, I received an alert from the bank reminding me of the amount that would be deducted from my next salary as extra charges after I've completed the bank loan I collected. I was so furious about the message that I got carried away while driving. I pressed hard on the accelerator instead of applying the brake pads, lost control of  the car and the car swerved into the bush and had an head-on collision with a big oak tree by the side of the road.

I was sitting down by a tree near my house when an old man came along. He held  my hand, and said, "Friend, follow me, I want to show some things to you." I reluctantly followed him, having different conversations along the way. When we got to a place not too familiar he said, " wait here" and he left me. I was afraid, calling out to him"old man, old man", but I got distracted as some things began to unfold.

Tolu called , "Hello daddy I've been given a scholarship award by a non governmental organisation, up to my postgraduate degrees because I was the overall best student in my level for this just concluded session. I was also given a monetary gift because of the excellence in an international scientific undergraduate competition I was involved in. Hope mummy and my siblings are fine, I would see you all soon."

Sola came home and said "everybody, rejoice with me, I have the overall best WAEC results in my school and I've been awarded a scholarship to study in a renowned university". He gave me the letter, I embraced him, congratulating him on his success. While this was on Tony brought out his guitar and was playing melodious notes, congratulating his brother.

I received a call from Lola's teacher,she said, " hello sir, thanks so much, Lola delivered your message of the money you gave to her,and that has settled all her bills. God bless you."

"Mr Adewale, please see me in my office when you are less busy, " my boss said. I went during the launch hour to his office. As I entered, he said, "have your seat" with his face beaming with smiles. I was quite confused, because he has not been the friendly type. He handed over a letter to me and said, "That is your long awaited promotion letter to the post of being the manager of this organisation. Not only that, you have been awarded a grant of one million naira because the excellence displayed in your just concluded community project. Congratulations! You can resume to your new office as soon as possible."

I was so happy, jumping up that my long awaited dreams finally came through. Then the old man that held my hand came again. He said, "My friend, why did you then take things too much on yourself, when I've already worked out my plans for you on how your challenges would be sorted out. Why worry about everything as if the whole world is mean at you? You would not only wound yourself but end up living a frustrated life, thereby complicating matters. The old man left me and disappeared.

I woke up, only to see that I have been in a trance. I saw my wife knelt down by my bed,  held my hand and was really in agonising prayers with my pastor. I tried to change my position, but was quite painful due to the injuries I sustained. She opened her eyes, worshipped the Lord and cried out, "Doctor, nurse he has opened his eyes". They all ran in, they were also happy. I ask them what was going on, and my wife narrated all that had happened and said I have been unconscious for almost 48 hours. I told them my ordeals too, but I learnt my lessons.

Dear friend, Why not bring all these worries to the master planner to work things out for you? The Lord cares about your pains and worry, he knows the appointed time for every miracle you expect. And every tears and pains of yours today, will become your testimonies and gains of yours tomorrow. "Cast your burdens upon him, for he cares for you".

-Faith Salako

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