Maybe next time

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Otshidile Onkabetse

Location : Gaborone

Event : Motivational talk

Whoever called it “Adulting” really “called” It.  It truly does give a sense of the probable eventualities one may need to be fully prepared for. I suppose when you’re a child, the possibilities of life are endless, and there’s always hope to hold onto as you navigate the complexities of life. Sometimes, even somewhat of a backup plan and even for most, the hope of a lifeline. In the mind of a child everything they imagine is possible….there’s always a probable ‘Maybe next time’ in the way they do life in their own world.

There’s an interesting  song by Jamie Miller that sort of puts a lot of things into perspective. It’s a love song about a bruised lover whose intentions were unreciprocated by the other, much to his surprise and gloom. He was left in a lurch so to speak, and felt hard done, inadequate and hopeless. A few woeful verses later, there’s a flicker of hope as he acknowledges there’s nothing more, he could’ve done beyond his futile attempts but also that there could be a next time. The latter may come from a false consolation the singer has or an acknowledgement of being open to the possibility of something happening in the future…. either way There’s Hope for a “Next Time” …a chance!

While the song is about a story of a guy who, by the order of nature, loves a girl who just doesn’t see him the same way. A story of failed expectation and unreciprocated love. In some ways, you could turn it, and it could be a more relatable story for most about a life situation that doesn’t work out despite all the strength,  effort, and good will you put into it....

When we look at our own lives and how our encounters with people and situations sometimes leave us feeling rejected, dejected, and overwhelmed, we often times don’t see the light at the end of a dark valley.  We sometimes think its over and that there’s little to nothing that could come from a seemingly unfortunate situation. 

What happened to your ‘maybe next time’ ? 

Did someone steal it away because they couldn’t love you back the same?

Did the toxicity or lack of progression on many fronts in the workplace leave you so void of passion and zeal which you initially had for the work you do?

Did a health scare or experience leave you drowning in a pool of fear and anxiety such that you are running scared? Did your Church leader or fellow congregant sell you a falsified idea of who God is, in the way they lived out their lives leaving you confused about His very existence? Did run out of ‘maybe-next-times’ following the death of a loved one? Is this life thing just not what you signed up for!

It’s safe to say the list in endless, but I’m sure in so any ways we can all relate to this. 

I don’t have the answer to your situation but I know a God who does (Yes, I just switched to a preachy tone) 

I think as a human being whether you believe in the existence of God, or not doesn’t make Him or lessen who He is. We are but mere mortal. No matter how scientists and philosophers may coin it! We all belong to a kind that is created- Human being! 

…we don’t and can never have the capacity to create ourselves or others. Even the order of nature of the conception of our child is in itself a God Made phenomenon (In any way your mind allows you to comprehend it, you have no power to create). So there has to be a creator. That Creator is God. So, if you’re looking for a ‘Maybe next time’ in a situation, if you’re looking for hope, if you’ve run out of all the possible man-made solutions you can think of…Rest assured He has not run out of ‘Most definitely-ies’’. Your “Maybe next time’ automatically turns when you’ve got God in your corner. 

Yes, He is God Almighty. But He won’t force you to invite Him in. Freewill is one of the greatest Gifts God has given Humankind, to give us the freedom of choice… Yet it is one of the greatest privileges we abuse or superpower we have yet fail to fully fathom. Choose wisely as we navigate this first quarter of the year 2025.  If at all your mind is still caught up in the complexities of ; ‘Maybe Next time? …how about you give thought to a ‘Definitely next time- with God! ENDS