13/05/2025
Dr Highten Hamweene writes
Several years ago my father did something I will never forget.
The family car (Mazda 323, blue in color) developed a fault. At that time, I was not sure the nature of the fault. I watched mom and dad go to work daily using public transport. Since I knew where the car keys were being kept, I decided to find out what was wrong with the car. One morning after they had left, I took the car keys; unlocked the car; sat in the drivers’ seat and attempted to start the engine. To my amazement the car responded. I was shocked. The engine rumbled. I thought to myself - “the car has self fixed”. I decided to keep my little secret. That week, I couldn’t wait for my parents to leave home each morning because I needed to drive. Every morning I prayed for their departure for work. As soon as I was certain they were gone, I would start the engine and drive around in the neighborhood. It was independence of the highest sort. I was free. I was “trending” until Friday morning. As usual I took the liberty to drive around but this time the engine stopped during my escapade. You can just imagine the panic. I organized boys to help me push the car back home. The driveway had no pavers. So, each time I had to clean up the tracks. Meanwhile, something happened that day. Unrestrained, the car hit the wire fence and the number plate was tampered with but I did not know it. Unknown to me, my father would later notice this shift and tampering of the number plate. I resolved I would not do this again. And true to my resolution, I never moved that car again. I knew I had escaped the serious hand of a super-disciplinarian, dad.
Years later I decided to come clean. I narrated the story as dad listened attentively. To my amazement, he said he had seen the tampered number plate and figured that his eldest son was responsible. When I asked why he did not confront me he said, “I knew you had already felt sorry about your actions.”
Today, I have a word for you. Our God is a loving Father. He knows what’s going on in your life and He loves you. Tell Him your story.
