Kikole Hati: Don’t Take the Patient to the Mechanic

We are now in February, though I originally planned to share these thoughts on January 1, 2025. Life and work swept me away as I juggled planning for the year at work and school. Yet, my dear son Awesome, you know I never missed our phone calls or our very first joint video project. I still feel that excitement and give God all the glory and honor. This article is dedicated to you, my son, and to all my children to come. Always remember, when you are in need, do not take the patient to the mechanic.

Imagine a person who is unwell. In such moments the proper course of action is to seek the care of a doctor, someone trained to understand and treat ailing bodies, rather than a mechanic, who is skilled only at fixing machines. This analogy is a reminder that when life presents challenges we must address them with the appropriate expertise. Just as a mechanic would not know how to cure an illness, the wrong approach to life’s difficulties can lead to further complications.

There is a familiar saying that communication is key. Over time I have learned that comprehension is even more important. It is not enough to simply exchange words; we must truly understand when to speak and when silence is the wiser response. In this new year I pray that God grants you the insight to know when to respond and when to hold back, much like understanding when a patient needs urgent care from a doctor rather than a quick fix from a mechanic.

Timing plays a critical role as well. Some situations demand an immediate and decisive response, while others benefit from thoughtful patience, a pause that allows for the proper care to be administered. Acting too hastily can be compared to rushing a sick person to a mechanic instead of waiting for the doctor who understands the complexity of the condition. It is a mistake to treat life’s ailments as if they were simple mechanical problems.

Reflecting on a few years ago I took stock of my actions and those around me in every aspect of life, including family, casual interactions, and professional settings. I noticed a pattern; many readily claim credit for the good while distancing themselves from the consequences of their mistakes. This behavior is akin to taking an injured patient to a mechanic, hoping for a quick repair rather than facing the root cause of the problem. I, too, once followed that path. But God saved me when I surrendered my life to Him. Over the years I learned to own both my successes and my failures, recognizing that true healing requires accepting responsibility for every part of our journey.

Another important lesson came from witnessing someone who tried to fix a simple fever with the tools of a mechanic. This misstep reminded me of the importance of preparing for continuity in one’s absence, whether in family, work, or other commitments. With the grace of God I finally found the courage to set up systems and train others so that every task is supported by a well thought out plan. Whether dealing with emergencies or day-to-day challenges, preparation ensures that we address problems in the proper way by consulting the right expert.

I have also learned to invest in training people and automating systems to eliminate redundancy and improve efficiency. At work I prepare detailed handover notes and comprehensive reports that honestly record both successes and areas for improvement. I celebrate every small win, knowing that these steps help prevent any situation from being handled by someone not equipped for the job. Just as you would never take a sick person to a mechanic, you should never allow life’s challenges to be managed by those who do not understand them.

In conclusion, just as a sick patient benefits from the care of a doctor rather than a quick fix from a mechanic, we must learn to address life’s challenges with the appropriate expertise. By listening with care, responding with wisdom, and preparing with foresight, we protect ourselves from making permanent decisions over temporary situations. This analogy reminds us that rushing to a solution without proper understanding can lead to lasting consequences, while taking the time to seek the right help—whether in health, relationships, or professional endeavors—ensures that we heal deeply and correctly. Let us carry this lesson into the new year, choosing to nurture our problems with patience and precision rather than resorting to hasty fixes.

The End  

#KikoleHati #TukundaneYonna #YesuNamara #2564wd