Build Your Own Capacity

I fell down so hard, for a second I thought I was dead, but that would be one of my biggest life lessons!

When I was a kid, one of the best cartoons I never missed on TV was Captain Planet. Do I have some witnesses here? This super-creature would come alive when the powers of five people combine, then he will go out there, battle the bad guys and save the earth from pollution. I loved the cartoon so much that my child-brain thought by just reciting the various powers that combine to form him, I will also possess his power and ability to fly.

So one day after school when I was waiting for my big brother to close from extra classes so we could go home, I went to climb a tree in one of my school compounds. I was trying to prove to some friends standing under the tree that I could climb to the highest branch and fly down like Captain Planet. It wasn’t a very tall tree so I mean, I could have jumped down without hurting myself, satisfy my non-existent super power, enjoy the cheers from my friends, earn their respect and possibly have my abilities engraved in their mind forever. Unfortunately, the branch I had to step on to be able to reach the highest branch was weak so though I was almost at the top, the branch broke and here was I thinking this is the time to fly like Captain Planet. In fact, I flew just that I crash-landed so hard, I lost my breath. People had to rush fast to come resuscitate me before I was able to breath again, and then my brother had to stop his classes to come take me home.

What’s my point with all of this?

1. It’s good to have aspirations, have role models you look up to or aspire to be like. They didn’t just get to where they are by chance, there were some powers that combined to take them there. Do you have the same powers? If not, then look for your own powers first, build your capacity so you can survive in case you get exposed to the same environment or position as your role model.

2. Not all aspirations are worth pursuing. A lot of times we waste our time chasing the wind only to realise what were so bent on achieving had nothing to do with our purpose. The fact that someone did it, and you think you can also it doesn’t mean you should do it. Our paths in this life are totally different, there may be similarities but they are never the same. Find your own path and follow it.

3. At every stage of your life, there are people who will cheer you on even when you’re on a deadly voyage. They are only interested in the moment they are with you, but you will get to a place and realise you’re on your own and the conditions may not be favourable but it may be too late to turn back. Not all cheers are for your good, actually, most cheers are meant to derail you until you survive, so be careful.

4. You don’t owe anyone a “Pleasing Trophy”. We have become people pleasers so much that, even when we are in danger we are afraid to shut down for the fear of feeling unaccomplished in life, being laughed at, being tagged, losing some friends, a reputation or sometimes money. Remember, none of that is more important than your life. You have only one life, so don’t mess it up pleasing people who don’t really care like they make you think they do.

5. Generations are counting on you. Inside every tree is a forest, inside you are generations of unborn or younger ones who are looking up to you to offer them a leverage to accomplish their own purposes in life. If you fail, you are not the only one affected; a whole lineage will be wiped off so be mindful of your actions. One of my favourite scriptures says “ a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children”, so remember that your actions affect at least two generations.

Build your capacity, live your life with purpose and don’t waste time on unnecessary things. Have a blessed week!

Selah!!

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