Dear diary, I have a lot to say. This week has gone by so quickly. It has been quite eventful, to say the least. No need for preambles; let’s get down to business.
On Monday, I saw my colleague Jane heading for the empty conference room during lunch break. You might be wondering why that was eventful. Well, I’ll tell you. It is because she was going there with Tayo who works as the Personal Assistant to the CEO. Yet again, you might be wondering why that is such a big deal. Yet again, I’ll tell you. It is because the conference room has become the unofficial “hotel” for staff who can’t seem to control themselves. I am not one to speak without confirmation; so you can be sure the words I speak are backed up with facts.
As I watched Jane walking briskly towards the door, she looked back and winked at me. I knew what she wanted because she had offered me her body severally. On any other day, I would have shrugged off her advances and continued with my schedule but that day was not my “normal” self.
The previous day, it rained. You know what means, don’t you? Well, it was “weather for two”. I felt a desire rising up within me, but as Brother Paul said “I put my body under so that after preaching to others I won’t be found wanting.” Rather than burn with passion, I decided to go to bed. Just as I headed for my bedroom, I heard a knock at the door. I wondered who it could be.
I opened the door and saw my beautiful neighbour Shola standing at the door. Chai. I said a prayer quickly “Help, Lord Jesus!” She said she just came by to say Hi and see if I needed anything. “Na so. Saying Hi at this time of the night”. I appreciated her care and kind gesture and told her I was just about going to bed. She frowned and said Goodnight. I sadly closed the door behind her and rested my head against the door. “If I wasn’t a Christian, I know what I would have done. Jesus! Jesus!! Hmm…you know that body no be wood.”
Well, that happened on Sunday. So, when Jane winked at me on Monday at work, it was like the devil was taking another shot at me. To be sincere, the “jabs” were weighing me down, but I just couldn’t give in. Or could I? (Have you read JAB, JAB, JAB… RIGHT HOOK? ) I considered giving in and repenting afterwards but I decided not to. After that day, there was no incident of note until Thursday evening. I had two presentations on Friday, so I was working late. Around 9:30pm, I suddenly heard a knock on the door. I thought it was the security man. He usually checks in when I work late. I couldn’t have been farther from the truth.
It was Jane! She said she needed help with some data analysis and forecasting. I told her I was busy, but I would help her during the weekend. All this while, I was just praying to God. I knew what she wanted and the truth is that I also wanted it. Sigh. “Jide!” she said “what are you thinking about? Your mind is so far away.” I smiled and replied, “Nothing really. Please can you be on your way now.” She looked sad and dejected, but she walked out. I took a deep breath and said a prayer “Father, lead me not into temptation and please don’t let temptation find me. Abeg! I’m not sure I can take this any longer. Honestly”
As I left office that night, I went straight to my bathroom and took a long cold bath. Then, I said a prayer I had probably prayed a million times, “…lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and glory forever. Amen”. With that, I found a nice blanket covered myself and drifted off to dreamland…
PS. The story is fictional. Feel free to share your observations and contributions.
Writer’s comment: Two passages inspired this write-up. The first one is the account of Joseph in the book of Genesis 39. The second one is a part of 2 Corinthians 5:14; “For the love of God constrains us…” To constrain means to compel, to urge and to severely restrict. It means that there might be things we would have done, but in response to God’s love for us we decide not to.
Even though it takes effort and sacrifice, we hold on. At this point, permit me to conclude with one more passage. Titus 2:11-13 which says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” Shalom. Have a nice weekend 🙂
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