By Tola
For a summer holiday that received very little or no planning, it’s shaping up really nicely. My sister in-law turned 70 so it was another opportunity for the family to gather together in that rare and special way that modern day living does not often allow for.

Most delightful to watch was the interaction amongst the next generation. It was gratifying to see that in spite of the years apart, certain things remained the same;the cousins’ bond remained as strong as ever. They just seemed to pick up where they left off.

The last time they were together in such an intimate way for any length of time, their ages were between 1 and 7. This week as my house is literally over run by them I watch them in awe and wonder where these bright, young articulate and vivacious teenagers sprung up from.

Laju who was five has transformed into a handsome young gentleman going to 2nd year. Ayomide our toothy cousin has played a fast one and has evolved into this exotic 16 year old siren who could give any supermodel a good run for their money in the looks department, also going into her first year. Her three younger sisters who were like little ducklings the last time I saw them have all grown into little ladies of 7, 5 and 4; sharp, bright and assertive even at the age.

My tempestuous Eyitemi nicknamed ‘Biggie’ back in the day is now in his final year in junior secondary school and considered one of the best speakers in his college.

Jem is now 8 and convinced she’s the next Hannah Montana. Then Oyise our 12 -year-old giant (he looks like he’s 17) and Erica his 9 year-old soft spoken sister…. The next generation is definitely here.

The years have certainly rolled by. Where did all the time go? I know one never grows up to their parents and perhaps living together every day within such close proximity, you can fail to see the dramatic changes in a growing child. This week has helped to give perspective.

Being a parent is probably one of the toughest jobs in this life. Sometimes the daily grind of trying to provide even just the basics for these one under our stewardship can cause one to lose sight of what’s important. I look at these ones, my kids and their cousins and I am grateful.

So far, we have all acquitted ourselves. The journey is by no means over and I must confess that there are times I do feel a bit of trepidation. Especially when I consider the society we live in. I look at these bright young adults in the making and wonder what this society will do to them eventually.

Will it stifle their growth? Will they be able to find expression for their hopes and dreams? Will it allow them to articulate and pursue their individual visions? Or will it chew them up and swallow them whole?

God forbid! That will not be our portion. But that’s the thing though isn’t it? Miracles just don’t happen. Our Lord Jesus Christ (at least in this dispensation) can only work miracles through man. So when we say ‘it is well’, we negate it by the things we do.

Our nation will not be restored miraculously and even if it does it will have to begin with a man. If we don’t feel the need to do the right thing for ourselves… let’s look at our children, these ones who have been placed in our care and let’s do it for them.