Dear father, Thank you for the legacy of a life which was committed to service, excellence, one which embodies and exemplifies humility, meekness , as well as the ultimate epitome of gentlemanly character.
Tribute to a very loving Father, Professor J.A.T Ojo
“……the race is not to the swift , nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill : but time and chance happeneth to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11)…..”
When I think of one of the many legacies which my father left, amongst which was his drive and focus to use his talents, gifts and capacities to the fullest, I’m also reminded of how well he used those opportunities he was presented with.
Indeed, a life is not really blessed and can not be considered to have reached its full potential if yet blessed with so many opportunities, those opportunities are not used – or rather, not allowed to be used. Whilst certain opportunities present themselves only once, God so merciful visits with yet further opportunities to make up for previous and possibly non substitutable purposes of our lives. Because as His word truly demonstrates …… “ for He knoweth our frame, he remembers we are dust…” (Psalm 103:14). The mercifulness and all-knowing nature of God does not only relate to our frailty, but His willingness to provide further opportunities when other forces, outside our frailty and weaknesses, are at work. In this sense, the Preacher also adds: “..He hath made everything beautiful in His time…..so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end…… (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Taking things easy, was not the best phrase that my father like to be greeted with. He was always of the opinion that whatever you did, it had to be done with vigor, utmost dedication and commitment - since man would not have such opportunity when no longer able to fulfil such calling……. “Work for the night is coming – when man shall work no more” being among his favorite hymns.
Last year, during which I was opportuned to have many conversations with him, I asked for a recommendation on one of his sermons (daily devotionals)….namely a vital lesson to be learned from one of the daily sermons which he gave at home, during the pandemic. He thoughtfully said then… “Wisdom”. The following week, when I asked during a call, what the principal message for the morning sermon had been, he repeated again, “ Wisdom”. It is also therefore, the case that being blessed with opportunities is not on its own, sufficient to lead a blessed life, one must also execute wise decisions in accepting and maximizing such opportunities.
I have learned over the course of the years, how important it is to appreciate loved ones – when one can. Daddy loved to sing like no other person I know. During recent years, choral singing was a rewarding aspect of his life – which he more intensively engaged in. This by no means meant that he previously did not have a cheerful countenance, it made him even a more pleasant person. I know that he will be in the best company with continuous heavenly choral singing filled with joyful songs….. This is particularly one aspect I will dearly miss about my dear father. Another one of his legacies which I hope to continue – though his dedication and commitment to morning and evening devotionals is one which I’m of the opinion, cannot be equaled. In more recent years, he sought to compensate for certain opportunities which he did not have with some of us (particularly the elder children) whilst we were growing up and he did this brilliantly through our participation in the joyful singing. I also realized particularly last year, that he was reaching out to be closer to his children – even amidst the pandemic and difficult circumstances. It was a joy to always participate indoors or outdoors because daddy’s singing had a positive and invigorating impact on anyone who engaged in our devotionals. It was like being part of a personally orchestrated choir – with daddy, naturally conducting the choir. That was part of the spiritual medicine that he unconsciously derived and benefited from everyday – along with his joy of being outdoors. Air conditioning was never an option – but invigorating fresh air….
Then I am reminded of the importance of not just what we do, but who we do them with. The same act can generate multiple effects with certain people and yet less with others. The joy of teaching one’s child to ride a bike, is not the same as that derived from teaching as a paid professional.
Children have the tendency of generating infectious and impactful joy, not just because they are given, but because of their response to what is given.
“… they are life to those who find them, and health unto their flesh……” Even so as the seed (the Word of God ) is, so are certain other aspects of the seeds and investments that we have made in life.
I am really grateful and thankful for the joyous company he had when He passed on to the great beyond.
One does not need to be told they are loved – even acts which demonstrate how much one is loved, are not conclusive of the fact that one is loved. One simply knows…… and we know how much our father loved us – and how much we love him. He told me once “ You do not know how much you are loved”. I hope – particularly during the course of last year, that he realizes how much he is loved. He did observe a lot – even though he would not talk about certain things. Certain occasions were a test – not deliberately orchestrated – but an opportunity to demonstrate the real inner person. When you know your parents love you, nothing or whatever anyone says can ever change the love you have for them.
Daddy was, and continues to remain an epitome of utmost humility, commitment to excellence, meekness and peace. It is with deep gratitude to God that we know that He is in a better place where he can be fully more appreciated for his life’s contribution and legacy. It is with deepest thanks to God that we glorify Him for our father having completed his race and having kept his course.
“Some glad morning, when this life is o’er….
I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away, O glory
I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away
Like a bird from prison bars has flown..
I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah bye and bye
I’ll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then..
I’ll fly away
To a land where joys shall never end
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away , O glory
I’ll fly away
When I die, hallelujah bye and bye
I’ll fly away”
(Jim Reeves)
Professor Ola Bola(nle) Ojo
