“See that you do not despise one of these little ones…” Matthew 18:10 NIV
From the age of 8, I had a backpack where I began curating items like magnets, scrap metal, wires, pebbles, parts of broken-down mechanical appliances, ropes and whatever form of trash-worthy item you can think of.
It also had a book of invention ideas authored by yours truly. That backpack was my personal science lab. Whenever my younger brother and I were sent on errands, it was an opportunity to go dumpster diving in order to find more scrap to add to our vault.
What did we do with all of this?
In our leisure time and on holidays, we built stuff. With the university level science textbooks that mum gave us access to, we were never short of ideas. From the mechanical air balloon that never flew to the submarine that never went underwater, to the boiling ring that never became hot, we designed and kept building.
When the battery-powered air balloon didn’t work, I remember building a manual one, controlled by the wind but heavy enough to still land. Together with our dad, we went outside and I “launched it”.
I forgot to take note of the stormy weather because the air balloon flew so high that it got tangled in the electrical wires. I looked at my dad hoping he’d help me bring it down. He just looked at me and said, “don’t worry, since you could build this one, you’ll build another one”. Thank God he didn’t attempt to climb the pole…hehehe.
Having several failed experiments wasn’t an issue because the joy of being able to explore our passions at the time, while enjoying the process, without criticism was the ultimate.
The right environment can make a flower blossom and the wrong one can make the same flower wither.
We all have different childhood experiences and I won’t expect everyone to have a childhood like mine.
But my prayer is to be able to create the right environment for my children as well.
The work we do, our beliefs, values, personalities, faith and other factors determine the kind of environment we create for those we lead. Everyone has a passion they want to explore. The question is can they explore it under your leadership?
As a father and leader to a beautiful daughter that turns 1 today, it’s my prayer that I replicate and further improve on the enabling environment that my parents created for me.
Dear Tinuade,
You will explore your passions and keep unwrapping the gifts deposited inside of you. As you grow older, your knowledge will expand and you will know things I didn’t know at your age.
Whether you want to go discover treasure in the earth’s core or find out what’s in outer space, your Heavenly Father will provide the resources to make your dreams come true. May I never despise your little creations.
Your passions will take you on a joyous personal transformation journey, and it will profit you every day of your life, ensuring you lack nothing while making an impact.
Happy 1st birthday Tinuade Deborah Solarin-Sodara.
Love, Dad.
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