SEIZING THE MOMENT

People say opportunity once lost cannot be recovered. I believe God is a God of chance and opportunity. He gives us open doors by Himself when it is time. Such open doors are opportunities. Someone must be sensitive enough to grasp the opportunity. I call it: seizing the moment. Never miss your moment.

We, her friends, I mean Comfort had been under the tormentor. Living with a critical, censorious friend can be oppressive. We were oppressed, suppressed, depressed with this negative, toxic friend. 

Here I was, face to face with this tormentor, ready to strike and tell her the truth we all had been shying away from. We never had the nerve, the strength, the courage to talk to her. It was that bad. I mean very bad. I was going to miss the opportunity, when someone just rushed to Comfort, praising the wonderful talk she gave us in the fellowship I was almost giving up because the person kept on talking and talking. I was becoming agitated because l never knew when I would have such a rare moment. Nevertheless, I chose to become more patient though a little apprehensive. I waited for the other person to go. I quickly told her, that I have something to share with her. 

We decided to go to a more secluded area to talk. Yes, I mean talk.

While we were going, there were few distractions on the way. 

Someone called me to ask me where she could buy fresh fish in the market. Another one called to find out if I could teach her how to cook a special soup called Edikanikong , mixed vegetables common with Calabar people. While I got over those, others also engaged my friend, Comfort in scriptural analysis. Ah! I was almost given up when suddenly my friend shouted, “Princess, please let us go, it’s getting late”.

I quickly jumped up and we went to a very peaceful place under an acacia tree. The cool breeze was blowing, it was cool. At this moment, I decided to speak, a little bit blunt though.

“Comfort! You have an acidic tongue, you are toxic. I mean you have been hurting us, tormenting us with your negative words. It has been very difficult living with you. I cited series of examples to buttress my point.

I ended it by telling her: But I love you. I do. I have discovered that you are not just beautiful, intelligent but deep down inside you are a beautiful soul, tender, loving, and kind. I want people to discover the best of you. You are simply amazing.

I know you have been wounded and hurt by people, I continued that is why you are hurting others. Let go of that bitterness, let it go forgive those that have hurt you. I know it is very deep. It is vivid and fresh but let go, releases yourself from this torment. Stop imprisoning yourself. Let the best of Comfort be seen. Let God be glorified in you. 

By now, your guess is as good as mine, she was all in tears. She was weeping profusely. She let out the bitterness of several years. She released them in bitter, agonizing tears. She wept uncontrollably. 

Oh! How she wept! I allowed her to weep until she was fully satisfied. By that time, it was dark but we were there, there was a street light close to where we were. It was a good relief. The place was a little bit lit.

I was happy, I did not disrupt her cries. Always good to allow people to cry, they feel better and relieved. After she was spent, she smiled, looking at me for some time before she suddenly hugged me. This was a great moment for her. She had never dared to share her pain and sorrows with anyone. 

She never trusted any. She had lost her mother when she was five years old. She only had a faint memory of her. She was raised by a struggling sister because she was the last born of the family.

Finally! At last! I was finally relieved too. The burden was off my chest. What I had expected did not happen. I thought she would be provoked and fight me. Tongue lashing me as usual of her. That night was different, I felt the stars clapping and singing for me. I made it, yes I made it. The boldness, the courage was supplied, the right words that broke her completely were given by the Holy Spirit.  Sweet Holy Spirit was with us sincerely, I felt like clapping and dancing at the same time to the music of heaven.

My dear, wonderful friend was completely broken down. She hugged me and appreciated me for daring to speak the truth in love. I completely seized the moment I was not going to leave here until I was satisfied. Oh! What a night unforgettable night.