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Sunday Morning Lottery

Do you recall those times when you spotted a food joint with so many people waiting in a queue and even cars parked along the streets to buy that food? So you join the queue only for you to realize the food was whack? What about that time when a friend recommended a seamstress and you packed your beautiful wax print material alongside an Instagram style only to realize that the African print jumpsuit you requested turned out to be a pyjamas? You lose big time. And that time when you saw a “killer” trailer of a movie which had you on edge for endless days and nights until you decided to download and watch (for those “chisel” gang members ) or went to the cinema (for the “give myself a treat” folks). It was a total flop; you were so disappointed for wasting either your internet bundle or your money. It's like after all the hype of a particular movie, say Black Panther, you finally watched only to realize it was “Black Patapaa”? You can't think far. 
Well, I have had my fair share of shattered dreams from going in for things that did not meet the expectations projected by their mouth-watering offers. This puts us on the same page when it comes to that element of” had I known....”
One fine Sunday morning as I made my way to church, I spotted a female elderly member of my church standing at the most popular lotto kiosk in the community. She was in a beautiful golden lace Kaba and Slit, with matching shoes. Her neck was adorned with outstanding silver jewelry. She clutched a pouch at her side with very subtle touch of complimenting make-up. I could not hide my embarrassment setting eyes on her there. What in the name of God, was she doing here this very Sunday morning? Hasn't she read the part of the Bible that said God rested on the seventh day after creation? I had spotted her on several occasions in the act but never on a Sunday morning as this one. What could be the reason? Was she that broke? Or was she so desperate to win?
With all these questions running through my mind, I walked away avoiding any awkward situation of being known we were acquainted or the possibility of she engaging me in any conversation. I quickly looked away, in hopes not be noticed by her, forgetting African mothers have eagle eyes that can spot you a miles away. It was too late. My name blasted out of her mouth. I had been spotted. Full of suppressed rage, I shook my head as I walked towards her. How could she have the nerves to call me, especially from where she stood. After asking how I and the family were faring, she went on to say “If you aren’t in a hurry why don’t you wait here with me for my niece, who would be returning with her car so she drops us at church”
I stood for almost a minute without an answer. It was quite a good suggestion since the sun was a bit high and though the chapel was a walking distance, it wouldn’t hurt to get a free ride just for a change, and to avoid being all sweaty and having dusty shoes. My face fell, as I responded in the affirmative to wait. Peering into the lotto kiosk, I realized it was empty. I had forgotten the lotto operator never opens on Sunday mornings. The problem was I had already tagged her as the notorious “lotto woman” but this was the only shady spot on the stretch of the street hence she waiting there. 
The wait for her niece took forever though under two minutes. Our ride finally arrived and I joined the Toyota Camry sheepishly. The short ride was a whole journey and I gladly relieved at its end. After expressing my gratitude to both women for saving me the sweat I walked like Judas Iscariot after betraying Jesus into the auditorium. 
I had judged this woman wrongly and had she not called me, I would have left with the wrong perception I had already formed of her. Probably, I would have told someone else which would have tarnished her image. 
Quite often, and in many situations, we have each been misjudged or we have misjudged and lashed out at others when all the facts were not evident. The prudent thing is for all of us to just take a pause and delve deeper into matters before we react. 


Photo Credit : Rainbow Radio Online

Comments

  1. Holistic Angel.22 April 2018 at 22:42

    Good one there Debby.
    This is what the Bible call it presumption and hidden sins.
    We must be slow to judge. Keep the writing up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. akinola28 April 2018 at 07:05

    People just give you that name without getting to know you just abit. The Bible says judge not so you also not be judged.

    ReplyDelete

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