‘Ikebe, no dey heavy the owner’, I first heard this from my husband as a joke, which translates to ‘a person’s bum is never too heavy for them to carry.’ I am not sure I agree in total, as some bums are quite heavy to carry😁.
Bums aside, I see the meaning of this adage as loaded.
Beyond the weight of people’s bums, it reflects the responsibilities people have in life and work. The unseen burdens carried, the load. The personal and private. The public and collective.
It can depict people’s passions, crosses that they carry, sacrifices, suffering yet smiling.
It can also represent grace, the unexplained ability to do seemingly hard things. And faith, the assurance that things will end well, despite the logical impossibility.
Everyone has an ikebe.
Everyone is carrying something, even when they don’t look it. And it affects how they show up, even when they don’t say it.
I refrain from discussing my burdens with anyone. Once in a while, I may give a sneak peak. Other times, I meditate on a bible verse like Matthew 11: 28-30,
‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
I cast my burdens at His feet.
My expectations of others are even lower. Once I sense the ‘I am too busy’ or ‘I am doing you a favour’ retort, I face south. The last thing I want to do is add to anyone’s burden.
Notwithstanding, I am elated with every single gesture of generosity and kindness. I understand more than ever, that everyone has their priorities and burdens, and the world does not revolve around me or my issues. Thus, when it comes to the relationships bank account, I rather be a creditor, than in debt. A giver more than a receiver.
We should all be grateful to those who help us carry our ikebe, so that it will not be too heavy for us.
Carrying more than one ikebe must be heavy, yet they carry it well.
To you, who lightens the burden of others.
Bona-fide members of the Association of Ikebe Carriers–AIC.
You are appreciated. Thank you loads (no pun intended).
Remember everyone is carrying something, even when they don’t look it.
So…
Who is carrying your ikebe?
Say thank you. Appreciate them today.
Your thoughts?
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