MY WEEKEND INSIGHTS
23/11/2024
Sabiiti Herbert
RESILIENCE IS KEY AS WE AGE
A recent conversation with my 92-year-old grandfather, Rev. Christopher Rushundaheire, left me inspired and reflective. At his age, he has faced more than his fair share of life’s storm-financial struggles, personal loss, and the challenges that come with growing older. Yet, he remains unwavering, smiling through it all.
Grandpa’s story is one of remarkable resilience. He began life in hardship, doing odd jobs in Masaka and Kabale to make ends meet. Later, he became a lay reader and eventually an Anglican priest in the Church of Uganda.
What struck me most was his determination to gain knowledge: he walked an incredible 70 kilometers daily to attend Muyebe Primary School in south western Uganda.
As the years went by, life continued to test him.
He suffered the loss of his wife, many of his biological children, grandchildren, and lifelong friends. Yet, his heart remains full of joy, his faith unshaken, and his hope intact.
When I asked him how he has managed to stay so resilient through it all, he shared three simple yet profound lessons:
1.God Is the Anchor
“With God, you find peace even in the storm,” he told me. Faith, he explained, is the foundation of resilience. It offers hope when everything else seems hopeless. Through prayer, scripture, and trust in God’s plan, he has found the strength to face life’s challenges. Faith reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.
2.People Are Your Support System
“You can’t live alone,” Grandpa said. “We need each other family, friends, neighbors, even strangers—to share the journey.” Relationships are the glue that holds us together in tough times. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply someone to listen can make all the difference. Grandpa believes that giving and receiving love creates a strong network of support that we can lean on when life gets hard.
3.Don’t Expect to Be Special
One of his most profound statements was this: “Don’t think life owes you anything. Good things and bad things happen to everyone.” This mindset has helped him embrace life’s ups and downs with grace. Accepting that hardships are part of life enables us to focus on how we respond, rather than dwelling on why they happen.
In our current world, where economic uncertainty, mental health struggles, wars, and diseases are prevalent, resilience is more important than ever.
Resilience is not about avoiding hardship; it’s about facing it head-on and emerging stronger. My grandfather’s life is proof that resilience is rooted in faith, relationships, and a humble acceptance of life’s unpredictability.
As we age, life will test us in many ways. But like Grandpa, we can choose to stand firm, hold on to hope, and keep moving forward. So, no matter what comes your way, remember: with God in your heart, people by your side, and courage within you, resilience is always possible.
Let us embrace life’s challenges with grace, knowing that every trial is an opportunity to grow stronger.