Check outside

I discovered that power outages are unfamiliar to some people, especially those in developed countries. However, those of us in Africa are so used to it that we are unaccustomed to constant power supply. However, I admire the typical Ghanaian's ability to cope with power cut.

When a Ghanaian notices a power failure, especially at night, he quickly opens his window to look outside. If there is a blackout, he lets out a sigh of relief. If the light goes out during the day, he asks his next-door neighbor if he has power. When he responds negatively, he sighs with relief.

However, when he is the only one affected, his reaction is different. In this, he screams, his heart begins to race and his brows begin to sweat. He dashes to check his electric meter to see what the issue is. The feeling is unpleasant because he knows he is the only one in trouble and must bear the burden of the problem alone.

Knowing how uncomfortable being alone in trouble can be, the typical Ghanaian will never forget to check outside. But more than light out, humans face numerous challenges in life. We sometimes wonder why we are experiencing overwhelming problems and lament for them. In the midst of this, I believe people can cope if they follow the Ghanaian strategy: check outside.

I am not sure what your problem is, but when you look around, you will notice that others have far worse problems. Those who have tried in vain to find someone to marry may witness couples fighting and divorcing. The barren couple may notice maternal mortality around. The hardy pauper may see the wealthy confined to the hospital. And those on sick beds may see breathless people conveyed to the mortuary.

If only we could look outside, we would realize that our current situation is someone's dream. And what we think is tearing us apart is nothing compared to what someone else is going through. Do not be misled by the smiles on social media into thinking you are the only one suffering. Behind these smiles are scars from anxiety, chronic diseases, addictions, hunger, disappointments, heartbreaks, sleepless nights, confusion, hopelessness, and so on.

The wise man affirms that time and chance (including troubles) happen to everyone (Eccl. 9:11). Those of us who are Christians have the privilege of looking not only outside, but also inside, to see that he who dwells in us is greater than the one who is in the world and all of its troubles (1 John 4:4).

Therefore, when you check outside, do not forget to check inside as well.

Enjoy the grace of God!

Amen!