LESSON I LEARNT FROM FIREWOOD

The dying days of General Sani Abacha’s government were such that I can never forget, there was scarcity of kerosene(which was the main cooking fuel of middle class Nigerians).And so, my family like many others was forced to cook with firewood.

My step mum used to rekindle the fire when it was going out as she alone had such expertise but as the scarcity persisted beyond the usual time, we were forced to
rotate this act amongst the children –including a boy like me- as she could not withstand the pangs of smoke for over 2 weeks again.

Anytime it was my turn, a substantial quantity of the little available kerosene would be used to rekindle the fire until there was the rationing of kerosene for ‘start up’ of the fire ONLY. And thus, you would have to fan with all your might to rekindle the fire.


Fanning in the smoke was nothing near an interesting experience as I would hold my breath till I got out of the smoke. Thus, a need to run out when the smoke increased so as to catch some breath. But unfortunately, there would be no fire and I would have to fan again.


One fateful day while fanning, I became angry within and told myself I would not stop until the fire was rekindled no matter how thick the smoke got. I held on to my decision and I made a discovery - a great lesson of my life.

I discovered that WHENEVER THE SMOKE GOT SO THICK AND UNBEARABLE, THE FIRE WAS JUST ABOUT TO KINDLE.


This I only got to know when I decided to endure the smoke a LITTLE MORE than usual .And then, I recalled the saying that ‘the darkest (NOT the dark nor the darker) part of the night is next to dawn’.




THE LESSON: When passing through a challenge, you must know that the point when you think it’s no more bearable only signifies that solution is closer than ever. You might be in that state now in any area of your life, the advice I’ll give you is to DECIDE NOT TO GIVE UP and the good news is: THE SOLUTION IS CLOSER THAN BEFORE, JUST A LITTLE PUSH.

By Kolajo Oladele

Oladele is an Engineer of repute. A Nigerian that witnessed the sad and very bitter end of the military era as a teenager. "Lesson I Learnt from Firewood" is one in a series that details his growing up years. Watch out for the series, every week on newsandmuse234. He is currently working on the e-book version of it.
'Dele is currently planning to start a family.