The Stair Case.

The Stair Case.

Prior to the days of the water pumping machines which ensured there was potable water always available at home,  the notable routine for young boys and girls was to carry gallons of water sometimes on their heads as they trekked short or long distances  to ensure the availability of water within their homes.

This remarkable chore was a habitual demand that characterized the early days of the young lads that lived at the flagstaff house barracks.  Each morning and sometimes in the evenings,  you are sure to find abled young boys going up and down the six-set flight of stairs (my very particular case) with either two(2) sets of a twenty five litre (25ltrs) or a single fifty litre (50ltrs) cooking oil gallon that had been converted to water storage containers.

It was always the case to meet a friend or two at the intermediate landing zone, and for the next few or so minutes, the very aim of fetching water was lost.

Subsequently, several minutes will be spent on either a gossip, a movie or the planned football match, the least said about the outings and video games the better. Many of us refused to heed to the call of our parents to hurry up and finish with the purpose for which we went all the way down the stairs to fulfil anyway.

flight of stairs with intemediary landing 

. Photo credit :google images

In those days, we were careful to run our mouths with many excuses, complaining of the herculean task that was set before us either by over-estimating the total number of stairs for the entire block or by predicting the large number of people at the taps (which were both mostly false).

This story was not only confined to the young men and sometimes ladies on my block, but transcended to other blocks as well.

On one of such a half fruitful course, a tiny voice said to me, "Henry will you stop these excuses you keep giving and finish up what you came to do and make your parents proud." And there it hit me like a moving train and that was the turning point.

The focus of every activity is that which must be attained, at the tail end of the staircase. There upon reaching will the goal be met. The goal has never been put half way-at the intermediate landing zone. The prize, that which makes you a “winner” is achieving fully that which you have been called to do.

To begin with, we all have aims or goals we have purposed or set sights to reach. For instance, we want to be as good as that Minister, play the guitar like no other or sing melodiously to our God in worship. You might have even wished to blow the trumpet to glorify God, or decide to be a church leader or be in service to God. Thus, even as we wish or dream, we must concentrate all efforts in actualising them.

Philippians 3:14 (KJV) reads that,

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Service to God has not ever ended with the decision to do, as we have all been called to be ministers of God. The decision to do, must not be halted half-way at the intermediary landing zone “to rest”

“to celebrate” and “ to feel fulfilled.” 

Although praises may start to flow and it seems all has been achieved, that's not the final straw. It may be seen as done and dusted, when you minister to the first 50 congregation or play the first song on the guitar or it seems you are have had a firm grip on blowing the trumpet. No! Much more needs to be done.  Press harder. Even when it seems the congregation turned up as (5 you inclusive), or you can’t seem to play a single line of a song on the keyboard or pressing on the first valve of the trumpet becomes a problem. You need to press on till the prize is won.

credit: google images

1Corinthians 9:24 reads,

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?" So run, that ye may obtain the final prize.

The staircase may be winding, but don’t give up there. The fun is overwhelming but don’t stop there!

The staircase is a step at a time, thus take the foot onto the tread, no matter how high the riser. You need to keep going. The Master’s work must be done.

God bless you. In Jesus name, Amen

Atandzi henry Enyonam