'This year is our year'. Those were the last five words of 'a petrol attendant with a difference' which made me make a 360 degree turn yesterday evening, in an attempt to dig deeper into the source of the words.
It was a typical hot summer's day in Durban. I had just dropped my daughter off for her Friday Bible study and had 60 minutes to think through dinner plans, do my last minute shopping for the weekend and fill up my petrol tank in preparation for the new week. It was rush hour, so time went past in a flash. I had just 10 minutes to buy petrol.
Murphy's law kicked in: my engine oil gauge was low so I had to buy a pint of oil. I unconsciously went into thinking mode to finalise my thoughts for dinner, as I waited to be served.
Then another petrol attendant walked up to me, with a brimming smile. I couldn't miss him, it was the same guy who walked up to me whenever he didn't get the chance to serve me. He would usually say something that will make my daughter and I smile, no matter how hectic the day had been. He even recognised me whenever I sat in the passenger's seat of another car and would walk up to me to say hello, not forgetting his brimming smile.
Petrol Attendant: Happy new year ma'am!
Me: Happy new year!
Petrol Attendant: I have not seen you in a while. How has your year been so far?
Me: Oh yea. It's been good, thanks. And yours?
Petrol Attendant: It's been good too, thank you.
Then he moved closer to say those life changing words, not forgetting to demonstrate.
Petrol Attendant: 'This year is our year!
I quickly added with utmost enthusiasm
Me: AMEN!
I pondered on the words as he walked away. I didn't expect those words at a garage. I made payment and established rapport with the petrol attendant that served me who was equally friendly. Then I made my way out of the garage into the freeway that would lead me to my next destination - to pick up my daughter and prepare to answer all the questions the Bible study would have inspired.
But my next destination had to change. I made a 360 degree turn into the freeway, back into the garage, even though I was now late to pick my daughter. I explained to him why I turned back. I needed to know the source of those words, to take his picture, and really get to know the name of the petrol attendant with a difference: Simiso Vumisa
I know many people have very high expectations for 2020 and have made resolutions accordingly. It's one of those significant years which evokes a sense of seriousness and dedication. Whatever we do, let's be conscious and intentional about making a difference in our world, one day and one person at a time. Simiso Vumisa just did.
#Thisyearisouryear #Engengarage #Engenmarathonmotor #2020vision
