Teen Reflections

“ WE RECIEVE DOUBLE WHAT WE GIVE... (Part 1) Giving is a heartfelt action rather than being an obligation. The best gift a parent can ever give to a child is to train him or her how to give in their early age. It’s not easy to give but it’s some action we can adapt to and make part of our daily lives. It’s amazing how some of the kids behave during early childhood; you buy them something to eat and they won’t even share it with you. It’s so hilarious, the way it happens! I wonder if it’s selfishness, greediness or stupidity. I just don’t get the phenomenon behind that. Anyhow, I have been overwhelmed by the many different experiences from people regarding the act of giving.There is a man named Charles, who at the time the story took place was a 15 year-old teenager living a “God-have-mercy” kind of life. This bear-footed dude had one popular red short, and a multi-holed green t-shirt which his friends usually said it’s a soccer-net. He lived with his grandmother since his mother had died while bring him into this world. He had never known his mother. His father, mupenzi, a drunkard, was the number one fan of Bralirwa…he had reached an extent whereby the stench of beer on him was so strong that someone could get drunk simply by standing close to him. He usually bragged to Charles, saying that he was a man, but never did anything tangible to support him. He never ever paid Charles‘s school fees, yet he always bragged saying, “I am a man, even though I didn’t study; I am respected at Fatirindi (name of the bar)” the only way Charles could get fees was by selling the baskets made by his grandmother. One day, he failed to sell any baskets because it was raining very heavily. While going back home, a man on a motorcycle saw the poor boy and felt sorry, he gave him a lift to the nearby restaurant for refreshments. As Charles was eating, a conversation was started during which the man began to ask him several questions about his life. After hearing the story of Charles’s life and background, he said “I will pay for your studies in boarding school till you finish.” Charles gazed at him in disbelief, tears of joy rushed down his cheeks and he became speechless. The man told him to come back the following day at the same place after getting permission from his parents. As he reached home, he told the father about the good news and they were all impressed by the kind man’s deeds. In the morning, he was tired because he hadn’t slept and for the first time his father gave him Frw 500 for transport and pocket money. He set off and arrived for his appointment an hour earlier. When the man arrived, he took him to his own home, and the whole family was pleased to see him. He was given all the necessary requirements including clothes and money to buy whatever he wanted. The man drove Charles to school and said these words before leaving “blessed are those who give without remembering, and take without forgetting. Give, do good at all times, you receive double what you give. You will become rich, and help your family. If you give, you will be loved by people and you will always be remembered; you shall live a legacy. After you finish, you may not have a chance to repay me but do it for some else…you will have repaid me.” As he concluded, he asked him to be disciplined, focused, study hard live in peace with every student. The made drove away, as Charles was meditating on these superb words that he had heard for the first time in his life. He was awoken up by a gate keeper who welcomed him inside… (To be continued)