In my line of work a few years ago, all-nighters at the office were a regular. Most of the time, we came prepared with a packed dinner, spare clothes in case of an emergency, and any other necessary items.
I got to the office late one evening, prepared to work all night, but I had barely eaten all day, and there was no place to buy food around.
Fortunately, hubby dearest had envisaged things like this, so he bought noodles, sardines (which I never found in the cupboard), and a camp gas cooker.
I was a little anxious because the camp gas had not been set up before that day, and I was
alone with no one to ask for assistance. With my single days long behind me, I had forgotten how to set up camp cookware. It was a no-brainer during my varsity days, but time had made those skills fade.
So here I was, clueless with a bowl of raw noodles and a growling tummy. And in a moment of inspiration, I turned and noticed a microwave. Stories of fear filled my mind about how dangerous it is to boil water in a microwave.
My imagination ran wild with images of a blown-up microwave, smoke and of course, my
precious noodles being burnt beyond recognition.
The thought of getting any productive work done on an empty stomach, considering that it was
going to be all through the night, and there were no shops open around me at the time, filled me
with fear and dread.
Like a voice or whisper from the spirit of wisdom, I felt the need to read the instructions on the noodle pack to know if it was safe to use a microwave.
I felt stupid and questioned the need to read the noodle pack instructions. I mean, I have been
making noodles since high school, so I’m certain I know how to cook a pack of noodles!
I finally put my fear and my pride aside to listen to the voice of reason in my head, turned the
noodles pack over to read the instructions.
There it was, waiting for me with open arms and insight: the words ‘Microwave’ and ‘Cook’ in the same sentence!
That was all I needed: instruction and guidance. I prepared a delicious bowl of steaming noodles- a warm slice of heaven in that cold office.
When I ‘gisted’ hubby about it the next day, he shrugged it off, saying any kind of food is always tasty to hungry people.
Maybe he was right. But to me, that was the best microwave noodles I have ever had.
As mundane as getting instructions from a noodle pack may seem, there are times in life when what
we need most are simple things within our reach that we may be too oblivious or
arrogant to notice.
It could be guidance, an instruction manual, a mentor, a coach, a second opinion, counsel from an objective person or constructive feedback that can take us to the next level; wisdom is always close by, begging and pleading with us to walk in the light of the knowledge it offers.
How many times have we become cocky, scared or too ignorant to seek advice? Discovering things
for yourself is part of growing up, but willing submission to guidance and tutoring is also necessary for maturity.
Seeking help from people who know more about a subject than you do will prevent you from being taught by the highest pain-inflicting teacher in the world: ‘Mr Experience’.
‘For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety’. (Proverbs 24:6)
What area will you be seeking counsel or help in that you did not think you needed?
I’m rooting for you, may you find the answers you seek!
