An ‘Amen’ Moment
Though barely two years old, Chairman is already displaying smile – worthy intelligence. He sees steam emitting from a hot plate, pot or bucket and goes ‘e ot’. It’s hot. His hands are always clasped together as soon as he walks into the bathroom with an accompanying ‘and’ pronouncement because he has witnessed his sister washing hers countless times before. He says ‘poo poo’, goes ahead and does the deed, then returns, reeking, to repeat ‘poo poo’ signifying his accomplishment. Displaying the beginnings of a gentleman, he utters an endearing, baby ‘na nu ’,thank you, (my beau says it sounds more like ‘daalu’) when given anything. To his dad’s chagrin, Chairman calls him by his first name or the endearment I use for him. However, it is his perception of some prayer times in the house that strikes a chord with me. He says ‘amen’ when food, in a plate, appears in front of anyone because he knows that there will be praying before eating. He does the same when he notices, at night, I’m done making beds and sleep is next on the agenda for his sister and him. The only difference here is that he also attempts to imitate a kneeling posture. Lately, he has taken to clasping both hands together and saying a few words of prayer (in Chinese! Unlike his sister who is very clear on God blessing her kin, classmates and cartoon characters!) before either his father or I round it off. Last night, after sleep brought peace and quiet into my home, that chord struck again and got me thinking. Was I aware of my own ‘amen’ moments? Besides the obvious accident –, pain – and robbery – free days and nights that I’m grateful for or the gift of family or friends. Yes, my life (every waking, breathing, walking moment of it) is a massive one but what about the seemingly insignificant fragments that make the puzzle of my life complete? The ability to walk, to talk, make and receive calls, write this article, read a book…basically counting blessings that have no end”more
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