Finding Purpose: A Visit to the Hairdressing Saloon

I visited the hairdressers recently; it had been awhile.

I have been taking care of things myself; DIY in the hair department you could say. But recently I chose to pamper myself a little, so, I went for the whole works, washing, steaming, oil treatment, conditioning, braiding and whatever else you can think of. There was even a protein spray guaranteed to help hair grow, hmmm..…. hope it works.

The saloon is located in a mini mall, with different businesses, catering to different needs; lots of people coming and going.

There were those who were in and out in a flash, they obviously knew what they wanted, went for it and were out in ten seconds flat!

Ten seconds, really?

I’m sure you know that’s an exaggeration, but you get the gist.

Like the young girl who came into the saloon after me, she was in and out before you could take a breath!

Just after the young girl left the saloon, I became a tad impatient, I wished I could be done quickly; I had many more “important” things to do after all. So while sitting in the hairdresser’s chair, I began a conversation with myself.

“I wish I was done with this hair treatment, it’s taking so much time”

“Abimbola, why have you suddenly become impatient; you knew this would take time, and your hair needs it, it’s been touch and go in the bathroom for a few months now”

“Yes, but all the people who met me here have finished and gone!”

“What does that matter, Abimbola; you didn’t come into the saloon or mall for the same purpose, did you?”

On and on, goes the conversation in my head until finally, I scream at myself, stop, breath, and think.

Whatever your purpose is, it should touch lives, and lives should be enriched because you passed their way.

Think?

 About what?

Purpose.

What does purpose have to do with my being at the saloon I think; as I watch the people come and go from my vantage point in the saloon;

I can actually watch the comings and goings, not just to the saloon but to a great extent, most parts of the mall.

Lots of people, coming and going

The ones who are in and out before you can say your name.

Those who disappear into the mall emerging hours later, laden with purchases, bought from a variety of stores.

The window shoppers

The enquirers

Why are you here, a silent voice asks, is it for the same purpose as the girl who breezed into the saloon just to have her wig straightened? Do you have the same purpose as anyone else in the mall?

No I silently answer.  

That’s when it dawned on me as I watched the people come and go (people watching is one of my favourite pastimes), that everyone has a different purpose for visiting the mall, so when you come in and when you leave doesn’t matter, what matters is if you fulfil your purpose Exodus 9:16.

Now I have a question for you, Why are you here, on planet earth?

Let me ask that in a different way, what’s your purpose?

Myles Monroe said “When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable”

We are here for different purposes

Some are born into their purpose; Prince William, heir to the throne of England.

Some find their life’s purpose through circumstances; Nelson Mandela and the fight to abolish apartheid.

But whatever that purpose is, it should touch lives, and lives should be enriched because you passed their way.

I’d love to know your thoughts, so send in your comments or send in an email. Let’s talk!

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See you soon

Abimbola