The Fish Aroma from the Lake Zone: Unforgivers Can Deny It
“You are smart, honey!” my husband remarked with a hug, as I took a second glance at myself in the mirror. I was on my way to lunch with Birungi. “Are men allowed at your rendezvous?” my husband teased tongue in cheek. “You can date me for dinner”, I smiled as I grabbed my handbag, ready to dash off.
‘Outings with Birungi’ was something I had grown to treasure. For, since her marriage to Mwesigwa, the domesticated husband had vied for Birungi’s home-cooked dishes and nothing less. In fact, my friend and I had repeatedly joked about how Mwesigwa’s insistences had diluted the girlie dates we used to enjoy while still ‘young, free and single’.
“Hubby will be away for two whole weeks” Birungi had lamented when she called to fix our lunch date. But on my part, Mwesigwa’s trip posed a blessing in disguise…, the chance that I had been longing for.
Birungi had selected a joint patronised by city dwellers who had a craving for indigenous African dishes. In fact, as we walked into the lobby, the aroma of smoked fish filled the air, evoking memories of Lake Victoria and homely gatherings of peasants chewing roasted fish skewers while catching up on the latest village gossip.
In no time, we had perched on three-legged bamboo stools, waiting for our charcoal-roasted fish and bananas to cook. “How are things with you and Lutalo these days?” I inquired, scrutinising Birungi for any tell-tale expressions that would leak her feelings. “Joy, I am failing to flush the man out of my system…; that creep will reap every single seed he sowed”, she declared. Being staunchly religious, Birungi’s utterances did not sound commensurate with her beliefs. So, when I raised my eyebrows, she defensively insisted that even God would understand how she felt. At that juncture, our discussion turned into a haggle, with me advising that she drops all bitterness against Lutalo; and her persisting that she had ‘nothing as such’ against the boss. “This earth is round..., and what goes around comes around” she concluded, as she drew a circle on the table.
Likewise, many people deny suffering from unforgiveness even when their bitterness is so apparent. Yet, a simple admission would position such people to embrace the message of forgiveness; and by so doing, loose them from the yoke of unforgiveness.