FORGOTTEN

It was an extremely hot Sunday afternoon; my boyfriend and I just got out of the church and were headed for my niece’s first birthday. Upon arriving, the house seemed a bit chaotic with different scrumptious meals being prepared at the back of the house. We had left church late and were super hungry.

My boyfriend and I had just started dating and I wanted to make a good impression on him and so I politely excused myself and went to join the other ladies at the back hoping to speed up the food process and get all the goodies out for my ‘foodie’ boyfriend and all other guests.

While slaving in the kitchen with my cousins, I picked my phone to check for something and behold the message I got from my darling boyfriend:

Boyfriend: Hey Dear, have you forgotten me? Everyone is eating and it is getting a bit depressing watching them eat. Even those who came after we have been served and are eating something!

 I could not believe it. Did this guy actually send this message to me? It seems he doesn’t know me well o (those were the crazy small thoughts flying through my head).  Anyway, it’s not his fault; it is because I like him, that’s the reason he’s asking if I have forgotten about him. And here was I, slaving away and trying my utmost best to get all the food out so he can have a selection to choose from, unlike the others who are just stuck with jollof rice, potato salad (which he does not like), cake and meat which were the few things that had been served.

Serah: Father, can you believe this guy? I’m here trying to get the fried rice out, moi moi, plantain, vegetable salad and all the yummy stuff out so I can make his plate full and sumptuous but here he is asking me if I have forgotten him. Simply because he is in the sitting room and the wall between us won’t let him see what I’m doing here.

I had not gone far with my thoughts when I heard God tell me to hush.

God: Are you any different from your boyfriend?

I did not understand; God and I were supposed to be discussing and analyzing my boyfriend’s “insensitive” speech, and not talk about me!

God: So many times, you and so many of my children simply sit complaining, whining, crying and asking whether or not I have forgotten you? Simply because you have no idea and can’t see all that I am doing behind the scenes to get things working for you. While I am arranging a plate for you that when others see, they shall be envious of you, you are there whining, crying and even begging me to give you a normal dish like everyone else. This is exactly the same way your boyfriend was asking if you had forgotten him because he was seeing people who had come after him eating, not knowing the loving thoughts and the plans you are having for him and his plate.

He said sometimes you whine, “…. is getting married or has a job or got admission into a school or has kids, but see me here”, yet I have served you long and loved you more, have you forgotten me? Just the way you are feeling hurt by that statement is the same way I feel every time I hear my children ask this question even though I have made them several promises that I can’t forget them.

I have told you that “the plans I have for you are of good and not of evil, to bring you to a good and expected end”, have I not? I have said that “I prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies and I will anoint your head with oil that thy cup will overflow”. I have also told you that “I will never leave you nor forsake you” haven’t I? Above all, I have told you that “even if your mother and Father can forget you, I, God, can never forget you”, but you still sit there and ask me “have you forgotten me or do you not love me anymore?”

With that type of explanation from God, who was I to still begrudge my boyfriend for his comment? I was humbled and yes, for those wondering, he got a plate full of all the sumptuous goodies at the party, so it was worth the wait!!

Lesson: The fact that we cannot see what God is doing behind the scenes does not mean he is not doing anything. Simply because others come after you and are getting their blessings, don’t let it move you. Just be patient and know that God who made you loves you and is well aware of all that is happening and is working everything out for your good. So my people, let me be your reminder as the year winds up and it seems as though so many of your heart’s desires have not been met yet, be rest assured, He has not forgotten you at all.