Enjoy your labour
In this week of September 2016, I had the unfortunate honour of packing up my sister’s stuff after her demise. My sister, Olufikayo Atinuke Keazor (Nee Famuyiwa), died of breast cancer on Wednesday 14 September of that year. She was 39.
She lived in Dubai, so I had to make important and fast decisions about her and her belongings and help bring her body back to Nigeria. As I went through her possessions, I was sure of one thing—she had lived a good full life. She enjoyed her labour.
She was a hardworking and content person. She also loved luxury and helped herself to a good dose of it. We glorify work in today’s world. Many people do not just work hard. They slave and live for work.
We work so hard and forget that work should bring a better life. We work so hard and we forget to live. We consistently postpone the opportunity to pause and enjoy the fruits of our labour.
In Joyce Meyer's book, 'Enjoying where you are on the way to where you are going', she emphasised the need to pause and enjoy the journey of life.
I love how King Solomon puts it in Ecclesiastes 8:15: “So, I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labour all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.”
Solomon, the richest King of Israel, repeated this recommendation at least nine times in the twelve chapters of the book of Ecclesiastes [2:3, 2:24, 3:1, 3:12 3:22, 5:18, 6:12, 8:15 and 9:7].
Allow me to share from scriptures and my dear sister’s life, the basic but essential things that help you enjoy life.
What you eat: Many people eat on the go. We eat whatever we find. Roasted plantain and groundnut, doughnut and a drink, rice and beans from the woman down the road, are some culprits. There is nothing wrong with these if that is what your heart desires,
but the fact is that most times, you have been working so hard, you just eat whatever you find. Many of us throw things down our throats just to tick the I have eaten box. Not my sister.
Since we were little, Olufikayo always set a table for herself and she continued this attitude whether she dined in or out.
What you wear: If I knew a person who dressed fine from under to outerwear, it was my sister. She had the finest things and loved colour. The rich man described in the Bible clothed himself in purple and fine linen. [Luke 16:19]
King Solomon did not just dress well; his servants did too. (I Kings 10:5) In a fast-paced city like Lagos, people work so hard that they forget to change their torn socks or notice that their shirts have faded. You need to notice these things lest you become a slave to work.
Where you live: Your living space matters. Olufikayo's bed and wardrobe were the tidiest in our home while growing up. When she died, it was easy for me to pack her things because she sectionalised her closet.
That government not individuals have control over public infrastructure can make this very difficult for people who live in communities where there is neglect in governance, like Nigeria, but you can still try.
You can make the extra effort in your immediate vicinity and home. You can ensure your beddings, kitchenware, bathroom accessories, sitting areas are clean and welcoming for you. You can make your living space your haven.
There is something dangerous about being glued on aspirations. You think your best life is ahead and cannot enjoy what today presents. You are waiting for the big money and the next promotion to enjoy your labour.
Well, today, this moment, is a good place to start. Tomorrow is for God to decide. My sister was not so rich, but she intentionally took excellent care of herself. She ate, dressed and lived well.
You shall eat the work of your hands and it shall be well with you (Psalm 128:2). The ability to work and enjoy the fruit of your labour is a blessing from God. It is a gift.
As I remember my dear sister and best friend, Olufikayo, this week, I recall that she lived a good life. Her life was short yet God-led, colourful and fun. I invite you to pause and enjoy your labour today, because that is all you really have.
@D_Encourager 13092020
Bible Inspired Thoughts (BITs) are inspirations/revelations I get from pondering on the word of God. They are thoughts that encourage/rebuke/correct/instruct me. I have a mandate to share for the benefit of others. Send me your email address if interested.
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