Good Samaritans Still Exist.

There is a Yoruba saying that “when the child of a cheerful giver is about to get lost, the fireflies will lead the path”. With this, we can conclude that life is both fair and unfair. There are times when you cross paths with some people and will feel they are just not humans but devils in human clothing. Meanwhile, there are some you will cross paths with, and you will think you just met an angel.

As for me, I realized that what actually goes around comes around, and one good turn deserves another. Such is life when we get to understand that nothing is free; the stones you lifted from the pathway might have just saved a soul that was about to be gravely injured.

You might not see it as something great, but you just did something great and deserving. To be good is a choice, but being good is a practice. The moment you think you are good to those who did something good to you, then you might not have understood what goodness was all about until you are in a position to reciprocate goodness with someone who just did you bad.

I have been in countless situations where I got a lot of emergency help from people. Some that I didn’t expect or saw coming, and a few that I was anticipating.

You know there are times when you get in a tight corner, and you expect that stranger next to you to be of help. You have your hopes high. Then, without hesitation, the stranger actually helped.

During my Nysc days, after camping, I was posted to serve in the same state, the far east. I already made up my mind that whatever will happen to me will happen. I have no money to redeploy, and I don’t even wish to undergo the stress.

After camp, we were then taken to our respective PPA (place of primary assignment). When I got there, I realized it was an army barracks. I was a little scared at first, but when I thought about the security that would come from being there, I was glad.

I stood at the entrance, extremely confused and uncomfortable. I don’t even know where to start or how to start. I just stood there with my luggage for a few minutes till I could summon the courage to step further.

I got to the entrance, and I stylishly walked in like nothing was wrong. I tried to avoid the security check, but when I was almost in then my attention was called. “Hey”, come here. I went there and answered some questions, then I was asked to move in.

I never knew my right from left, the rules or guidelines of the barracks. After the gate, there was a sacred place on the right. I was carried away, then I walked towards the direction to get a better glance of it. All of a sudden, a guy whispered. Hey! Cross here. Cross here. I crossed, and then he told me I just took the wrong direction. No one is allowed to walk by the right, you always keep left.

Oooh! I never knew. So what’s the implication of the violation? “You will be locked in the guardroom,” more like the barracks prison, and punished. I was so happy he came to my aid and guided me. I appreciated his kindness and hoped I could pay him back someday. Till I finish my service year, our paths never crossed again.