Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Oya everybody should read and wish me happy birthday o!!!

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I clearly remember my birthday in 2001. My joy turned to sadness as I pondered – innocently – why terrorists had chosen my birthday to wreak havoc on the United States. It was inconceivable to my young mind that I could celebrate life while others mourned loved ones – so I put away all thoughts of my birthday, and cried long and hard for people I did not even know.

On that day, eleven years ago – I suddenly knew what I wanted to do with my life was make the world a better place. Since that day, my thinking has been influenced – largely – by a strong sense of empathy. Michael Jackson could not have said it any better: Heal the world, make it a better place.

I look back today and know that I have come a long way since then – but the ‘what’ I happened upon that day has stayed constant over the years. While I now understand that this world will by nature tend towards evil, I believe strongly that there is yet a lot of good that can be done.

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I look back at my life – and I know that there is a lot to be grateful for. This morning, “God’s Faithfulness” takes on a new meaning to me; it is not just a theme from a sermon, it is what I see written in bold typeface over the course of my life.

Where do I start?

Is it the fact that my parents, both with AS genotypes, produced three AS children? Is it the fact that He has blessed me with the wittiest, most energetic, and naughtiest siblings – such that there is never a dull moment in our home (of course, except when we are fighting :D)? Is it the fact that he has consistently come through for me and my family, even at times when I could not have cared less about His existence?

Is it the fact that He has blessed me with some of the most loyal and dependable friends on the face of the earth? Is it the fact that He consistently brings new opportunities my way – regardless of my station in life and history? Is it the fact that He answers my prayers, and shows up at my darkest moments – to hold my hand and remind me that I do not walk alone?

My life is enough proof to me that there indeed is a God in heaven, who rules and reigns in the affairs of man.

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There is a lot to look forward to. In words made popular by Tom Landry, "Today, I have a hundred percent of my life left."

There is a lot that I must do and be in the years to come - and in many ways this piece is an attempt to capture this day – and make it last ‘forever’. I write this to myself, to one day remind me of the power and the beauty of my youth – to one day prove to me that I cannot grasp today how much possibility lies before me.

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I will not fall into the classic trap of naming people, because there is not enough space to take everyone – and I run the risk of alienating those whose names I leave out. The truth remains, however, that I have got some of the best friends on the planet.

From Kings & Queens Primary School to the fast-paced world of Powerpoint Presentations and Sourcing Strategies, I have steadily built a great network of awesome people: nearly all of them older than I am, but great friends regardless of the difference in age and perspective.

Friends come and go, but with a precious few I must hold on. I must work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older I get – the more I will need the people who knew me when I was young.

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There is no point comparing myself to anyone else. Life is a race, a long one hopefully – and in the end, it is only with me.

I obsess about the future, and today I must remind myself that worrying about the future is about as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing gum. In the words of Mary Schmich, the real troubles in your life are the kinds that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

The key is to trust the God that has brought me this far to take me even farther.

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My favourite book of the Bible is Ecclesiastes. After all, what better paradox to intrigue a young man on a search for meaning than the statement, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless?”

One day, we will die and be buried – and our lives will be summed up in an hyphen between years.

When it has all been said and done, there is just one thing that matters – did we do our best to follow truth, did we live our lives for God?

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Happy birthday, Mogbekeloluwa.

Your alter ego,
Koye, & Mary Schmich