IWALEWA II

JEMILA’S SPRITE

An Icon is an open window and a wide unobstructed channel to the person of God.
An icon is someone you can look to and through and get a vivid high-definition glimpse of God.

Mrs Bako, Jemila’s mother is a master entertainer. She can think of more than a score of ways to set a table, serve a meal, and make guests feel special, all without losing her cool. Of course, her forte is preparing the perfect food for any occasion. She is easily the best cook. And except for the entertainment thing, Jemila is everything else like her mother.

When Jemila invites guests for dinner or brunch, they always meet her either taking the meat from the freezer or just washing the vegetables. She can hardly wait for them to say those five words all guests feel obliges to utter, “Can I help with something?” — not me though — I always walk right into the living room and interest myself in a sports channel or most usually, NatGeo wild. Jemila immediately puts her guests to work chopping vegetables for salad, setting the table, or flinging chunks of marinated meat into a frying pan. They tend to be much better servants than guests in the long run.

Jemila’s mother possesses the skills and temperament that make her immediately pleasant and at once convivial. When I was a growing little boy she will invite over 20 children to her May 27th Children’s party as well as Christmas parties in her home. Jemila has always indicated her interest and desire to learn the ways of her mother. Her mother always had homemade cookies, doughnuts, chinchin and even roasted groundnuts, and occasionally, cashew nuts too. Children loved to gather in her backyard to play and to help out with chores anticipating a food reward.

One holiday many years ago she bought a building and wanted to establish a pastry shop and cafe. Days before the opening she invited about 4 of us, little children, in the neighbourhood to help her clean. A little surprise was to see exactly 23 children show up at the site to help. We started conquering piles of dirt, satisfying Mrs Bako’s obsession with uncluttering all nooks and crannies. We cleaned everything from drawers to ceiling fans, just in case a crazed customer or inspector should go on a white-glove rampage.

We knew Mrs. Bako has that ability to successfully mesmerize anyone with her smorgasbord of fabulous food menus. She spends time test-cooking new recipes and planning every detail of food presentation. She worked tirelessly to offer only the most succulent fare. And Jemila, our tireless bunch, and I were her tasting minions.

One notable thing about being around Mrs Bako also was that we knew the lyrics of most Women of Faith songs. As we helped her clean, unclog sinks, or wash dishes we sang along and danced to some of the tracks. One most memorable was “Women of Faith’s rendition of Lenny LeBlanc’s You Are the One I Love”. With good food, lovely music, and a happy demeanour, Jemila’s mother created a welcoming and seasoned environment for young young children to play, learn, and grow. No wonder we kept coming back.

A few Christmas ago, Jemila called to know if we would be available to help them move to their new house. She sent the announcement to our friendhood WhatsApp group chat. And before accepting the invite, many pointedly ask, ” Hope it’s your mom cooking, and not you?”
Her affirmation brought acceptance at the moment, proving that although Jemila had always given us sumptuous meals, and sometimes exceptionally lavish treats it was truly the delight of her mother we looked forward to. If she was to announce that she would be cooking instead of her mother, punctuality and attendance would have dropped. She does not mind, however. Truthfully, if her mother were not cooking she probably would not come either.

While packing and boxing, she leaned over and said “Fred I have so much to still learn from my mother, she has already taught me so much, and the difference between entertaining and showing hospitality. Entertaining involves out trappings, hospitality involves the heart. Where entertaining is an event that requires resources, hospitality is an invitation to friendship. Anyone can entertain, only those who value others can show hospitality. My mother can do both, she excels at entertaining, and she does it well with a heart of hospitality.”

The idea came awake to me after listening to her. Mrs Bako had used her incredible gifts as an outreach to young children and here we were now as adults still gravitating toward her through her gracious pull that is both blessed and rewarding. She had birthed a sprite in Jemila that was burgeoning to life. Although Jemila, unlike her mother makes us prepare the ingredients or set the table, while she cooks, the parties allow her to invite classmates, friends, and neighbours into her home and rebuild relationships, while providing fun activities and great food.

GOD’S WORD — FRIENDSHIP, ENTERTAINMENT, HOSPITALITY.

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Romans 12:13 NLT

The Bible encourages us to “practise hospitality, ” the latter word defined as “love for strangers”. We are to be hospitable to one another without complaining (1 Peter 4:9 NASB) and not neglect to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2 NASB)

The result of combining this kind of love with unselfish generosity is a genuine interest that breaks down barriers. It is a disarming gesture of friendship that opens the door for deeper life-changing relationships. Remember, it is our hearts that make the difference in the lives of those who God brings into our lives, not the menu or how your home is decorated. Keep your focus on them and you will enjoy hosting as much as they will enjoy coming.

As I ruminate on the relationship of Jesus with Mary and Martha I am enriched with the notion of inviting people into my home and hosting them. I understand the joy and blessings that loads and come along. I am realizing it is a sure way to season my surrounding with God’s love.

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