WEEKLY DEVOTION WITH RMA: SIX REFLECTIONS ABOUT LIFE

Romans 8:28:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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Warm greetings to you and your loved ones! Welcome to this new week where we expect to see and tell of more of God's awesome works and deeds! Praise be to the Living God, now and forever more. Amen. 

Please turn to someone next to you and tell them that you love them and that you wish them he very best in life. I pray that the Almighty God shall keep all of us safe and healthy to the very end of time.

I am very grateful to God for the gift of life that I/we have. We are making it one day at a time not by might or strength and not by power or effort but by the Spirit and wonderful grace of God our Creator, author and finisher of our faith.

This week on Saturday 13th January 2024 marks one month since I lost my father, Mr. Joseph Musana Adyeeri. A man of noble character and unique personality he was. A giant and fearless Police Officer he was. At the time of his demise, he was serving as the Minister for Security in Toro Kingdom. A man of the people he was; a selfless servant of God. But look, despite his goodness and abilities, Dad couldn't hold any longer. He went into Glory.

Some people might wonder why I have spent the entire month speaking about my deceased father but that is what it is. It could be one way through which I am getting over it and accepting the new reality of life. In the same regard which might be drawing me to greater strength so that I turn to new chapters, please allow me to share with you half a dozen of thoughts and lessons from Dad's departure:

1.    The Plane Must Take Off

When you know that you have a journey to take to a place far away, there are various modes of transport that you may select from. Let's us settle for air transport. You have the travel date; you get to the Embassy or Commission and apply for your travel. You go through all the processes and when done, you wait for the day. The people on the other side are aware of your going and they are waiting for you. On the day of travel, it is either that go alone or in the company of family and friends. However, they can only accompany you to the airport up to the point when you check in. Once verified, you get to the lounge. Boarding time is announced and you must get onto or into the plane. You get to your seat and the pilot continues to set the plane. Doors are closed and the plane gets to the runway. The cabin crew takes you through the safety precautions and any other relevant information. Engines continue to run and you must take off. At that point, rate and speed, you must take off. No mistakes, no retreat. To the heights. Into the skies. Higher level.

The only difference between this description and death is that you might have all necessary documents ready but you can't tell when you will travel. And, when you travel, family and friends never expect you to return but that they will be the ones to board to where you are. May God's amazing grace continue to save wretches like me.

2.    The Body Is Fragile and Vulnerable

Those who knew Dad, you recall him as a giant; a man who had physical strength and energy with ability to do all he wanted. What I know is that Dad had fallen sick some while ago but being the man he was, he must have hesitated to inform us so that he didn't bother us with what he was going through. I believe Mummy knew about it. Dad resisted illness and sickness until he could resist no more. What I remember is that his heath started deteriorating without any room for retreat. We could, as a family, notice that Dad was in pain and we tried to do everything we could to help him recover from it. He weakened greatly because for over a month, he had no appetite and didn't have meals. He would take in very little food and drink, unwillingly until he stopped.

Friends, we can eat and drink while we can. There comes a point in life when food and drink are a big bother and burden to us. Let us eat, drink and celebrate life while the bodies can still allow.

3.    Keep The House in Good Order

When Dad passed on, Mummy assigned me the task of organising/sorting Dad's office files and suitcases so that if there were items we should return to his employer(s), these would be arranged for that purpose. It took me about three full days to complete this task. Dad had so many documents and information that dated as far back as before I was born. He had many personal items that he and Mummy had access to.

I learnt through this task that while we live, we could take time off to keep our documents and personal items sorted and if possible, labeled. Our spouses must be aware of all that we have. Once we depart, we leave everything behind if we didn’t take time to arrange it, our next of kin will have trouble sorting and interpreting what each item meant to you. Dad had tried his best to sort out and organise his property. We are at peace and I know his soul is at rest.  

4.    Rights and Privileges End with Life

Dad had all human rights and fundamental freedoms while he still lived including the right to life; personal liberty; movement; privacy; fair hearing; expression; association; a clean and healthy environment; access to information; among others. He enjoyed certain privileges by virtue of his personality and status in life. He was entitled to a salary, allowances and pension. It is quite unfortunate that upon his demise, these stopped. I am grateful to God, family and friends that Dad got a decent and national send-off.

I learn from this that I can never hold onto so much in life. Let me enjoy what I am entitled to, to the maximum because at some point, I shall be gone and will never ever return to mother earth where these rights and privileges prevail. In the Spirit world, I imagine there are other items which I may not expressly refer to as rights. What I have been told is that at or after death, I shall go to paradise; a place where all people or should I say all spirits and souls live freely - just like that. No pain, no struggles, no suffering. No work, no labor. Just enjoyment upon enjoyment.

5.    Live a Debt-Free Life

After Dad's demise, I somewhat knew that there could have been some people he borrowed money or assets from. There could also have been some people he lent money or assets. An announcement was made to the effect that whoever had lent Dad money or anything would have to come forth and inform the family so that it could pay back in time. Indeed, one person came up and told us about the sum of money that they had lent to Dad. This was handled. We are at peace.

I learn from this that as much as possible, we may avoid debts because getting money or assets from people can be very swift and satisfying in that moment but paying it back is usually a slow and uncomfortable place to be. Let us make our lives and after-life lighter and less burdensome to/for those who will handle our affairs after our departure. 

6.    Legacy Speaks Volumes

When I saw the over One Thousand People who turned up for Dad’s funeral to "accompany" him to his final resting place, I could not bear but give glory to God for the wonderful legacy that Mr. Musana left. Legacy is about what you leave behind for the living to live by. He had loved his wife as a husband should. He had brought up his children as a father should and had served God and fellow people as a servant should. He had secured property for his wife and children and had established avenues for his people to advance in life.

I learn from this that as long as we live by the principles that Dad had set and work towards strengthening them, we will never miss a point along life's awesome journey.

Prayer:

Almighty God, teach us each day to number our days, again and again. Bless the work of our minds and hands for the glory, honor and praise of your name, amen.

For God and my Country.

Mugisa Reflections 2 of 2024