Whenever life confronts us with unexplained events—whether pleasant or painful—let us pause and examine our ways. Often, the seeds we plant in our actions, words, and thoughts are the same seeds we will harvest before our journey here ends. Life has a way of returning to us the echoes of what we send out.
In moments of peace, let us be fair. In seasons of hardship, let us still be fair. Fairness is not a gift we give because the world deserves it—it is a gift we give because our souls need it. True rest of mind comes when we treat others with justice, kindness, and respect. People may throw insults, slander, or bitterness at us, but we must choose to embrace peace, for peace is strength.
In our daily financial dealings with other people, let us be honest and transparent. Wealth built on deceit or stealing from other people’s sweat may glitter for a while, but it carries the weight of guilt that robs a person of sleep. Before we close our eyes at night, let us reflect deeply on the day’s activities. Ask yourself: If I do not wake up tomorrow, will my conscience be at peace? Even the most powerful human beings on earth are powerless when asleep; in slumber, no one controls what happens around them.
Yesterday, many people walked among us—but today, they are gone. Today, we share laughter with friends and family—but tomorrow, they may no longer be here. Life is a fleeting breath; we are but travelers passing through. Power, wealth, and influence fade, but the way we treat others remains as our true legacy.
So let us tread softly, with humility in our steps and compassion in our hearts, allowing the great dynamics of life to unfold in their own time. When we choose fairness and peace over pride and revenge, we plant seeds that will grow into blessings not only for us but for generations to come.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
