The great philosopher's trilogy (Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and proverbs) has ever been my favorite. The fact that it covers the entire cycle of human life gives me the urge to acquaint myself with it even more. Among the great philosophers you've ever heard: Socrates, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Plato, Carl Marx, Seneca...name them! Solomon remains the immortal one whose works have been widely read over and over generations. He accurately captures the three phases of human life (youth, adulthood and old age).
Firstly, In Songs of Songs he praises beauty and just like all youngsters do, he lays so much emphasis on the minute aspects of magnificence. Although his praises are symbolic, he uses diction very common among young authors to tantalizingly describe the beauty of Jerusalem. Often, respectable men are associated with wisdom and Solomon clearly depicts this in Proverbs. He offers words that do not only advise but also rebuke, admonish and reprimand. Finally, you will agree with me that in old age most people talk on the nothingness of everything; the aged see all the youthful endeavors as vanity and warn that nothing is profitable with either being extravagant, curious or vibrant. Funny enough, Solomon is not spared by this wave as can be seen in Ecclesiastes. Should I say that this could be caused by the futile wishes by the aged to go back to their youth? May be yes; may be no. what I know for sure is that young people think old people foolish; old people know the young to be so. Why? Because they have been young themselves and therefore can tell when youths err. Whereas he says all pursuits of happiness are similar to chasing wind, the philosopher applauds all efforts to serve God and below I allow you to peer into my diary.
It is exactly three days since we left Gatero after one full week of COGYOK AGM. The event's mood still clogs my chest and its sweet memories obstinately linger in my mind. Sometimes I find myself smiling sheepishly as the breathtaking splendor of this event unfolds in my mind. Attending this event offers me an opportunity to meet my childhood friends whom we used to laugh, race, sometimes fight and do much more during our tender age. Presently, though, much has changed bearing in mind that most of us are past twenty and, therefore, what tended to be good, interesting and desirable is considered childish. We have, however, devised other ways of having fun and just like we stuck to each other during childhood, we are as close. One thing that makes my life bearable is the assurance that I am likely to retain these dear friends for eternity unlike other pals I schooled with; high school and college friends are almost forgotten because after school, each one of us moved their way. I think this is one of the reasons why I find it reasonable to form business partnership with brethren because most of the aspects void in unsaved friends are abundant with brethren: I don't have to worry so much about my cash because I trust them; I don't have to be very stern because they respect me and most importantly, I don't have to strain so much trying to be a perfectionist-they got my back!
A mere mention of a full week in God's house may sound somewhat absurd to some people and more so the workaholics who consider all seconds in their lives chances to double their pennies. Do I blame them or our system? Perhaps the system because it demands that we think about work round the clock. Could I be mistaken concluding that it has turned us to mere robots that work throughout yet afford no time to celebrate our hard-earned money? I particularly pity fellows working in defense force who rarely spare any time to spend with their families. Thank God I am always assured of a full week rest and abstinence from the daily hassles and bustles of life. It is a guarantee that my brain will get ample time for a restart. Additionally, bonding with friends lengthens my life and since humans are scientifically confirmed to be social beings, I get an opportunity to exercise humanity to its fullest. I cannot overlook the fact that I was created by a supernatural being who deserves praise. I personally don't think there is something up there but I strongly believe that God, the creator of everything exists and his providence is inexplicable. If we get time to thank humans who have made contributions in our lives, why shouldn't I secure some of my time and thank Him for keeping me alive? By the way we don't realize the one week we are gathered come to an end because we are normally so engrossed in a myriad of activities that numb us against the time factor. Other than spiritual nourishment, entertainment is plentiful.
We feast, play, laugh our lungs out and hold friendly contests. The aim is to produce well-rounded individuals who are not only spiritual giants but are also acquainted with the trending methods of doing business. Did I mention feasting in the previous paragraph? Oh yea I did! This year, just like last year, our diet was as balanced as ever. We are omnivores by nature but it's not always that meat becomes so plentiful that you take a full plate of plain meat. People from my place will always exclaim, "This doesn't grow in the farm" while holding a piece of meat. True! Because all other foods come from the fields but to get meat, you have to kill. I remember myself offloading chunks of freshly slaughtered bull from a pick-up at Gatero. I couldn't help an ear-to-ear smile. Giggles behind me explained how excited my friends were. You think this is all? The event's climax is normally on Sabbath when different villages from all over Kenya stage impressive presentations and a friendly competition is held. The winning teams are normally appreciated with trophies and other gifts. The aim of the competition is to encourage creativity and also motivate the participants. This aim is clearly outlined to ensure that no rivalry arises between winners and losers. At this juncture I must congratulate Nairobi youth for their exceptional performance which left the audience openmouthed; their energy was incomparable (watch in our youtube). The greatest applause goes to Team Ruiru which bagged the most prestigious award after being crowned the team of the year; congratulations!
Special appreciation also goes to all delegates all over Kenya for making this event a success.
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