Ogbo Ato, Asure Iwori-wofun
If we are children of the supreme person OLODUMARE, why is it that we do not remember our life Giver (Elemi) all the time?
Is it because we live in a world where He seems to be hidden from us, or perhaps is it because He has given us a free will which we do not utilize to experience the presence (ase) of our Creator?
Free will is a gift which ought to be used wisely for the benefit of humanity but is often misused to harm, cheat and deceive others. How can we use our free will so as to make of Olodumare our father? How can we live consciously in the divine presence? Through gratitude.
Gratitude is the power, link and bridge that connects us to Olodumare and makes us able to feel the reality and presence of Olodumare as our father.
Ifa asks us to live in gratitude each and every moment of our lives. Gratitude is a divine gift, trait and inner power that joins us to the upper worlds, the presence and power of Olodumare. Gratitude is the divine current which carries the blessings, benefits and power of Olodumare from ILE ASE (Divine House of Command, Blessings and Power) to our world, to our lives, to our family and community. The more gratitude, thankfulness and appreciation we have and display, the more blessings and doors of growth and opportunity will open up and manifest in our lives. However most of us forget and do not acknowledge the One who has given us this beautiful body, mind, life and all kinds of comforts, so that enjoying His kindness and provisions we might live appreciatively and with gratitude. This divine truth is revealed to us in Holy Odu Owonrin Sogbe. Owonrin Sogbe highlights that all creation, all living beings, intelligences and powers are indebted to their Creator for the precious gift of life and that as such, they should be mindful of Olodumare and relate to Him with affection, simplicity, reverence and thankfulness.
Owonrin-Sogbe:
Orunmila says: Let us give thanks.
(The worshipper of Ifa responds): Ifa, I also say let us give thanks.
Orunmila says: If the bush rat wake up they should give thanks to Olodumare.
By so doing Olodumare will bless them with longevity.
Orunmila says: Let us give thanks.
(The worshipper of Ifa responds): Ifa, I also say let us give thanks.
Orunmila says: If fish wake up they should give thanks to Olodumare. By so doing Olodumare will bless them with longevity.
Orunmila says: Let us give thanks.
(The worshipper of Ifa responds): Ifa, I also say let us give thanks.
Orunmila says: If birds wake up they should give thanks to Olodumare. By so doing Olodumare will bless them with longevity.
Orunmila says: Let us give thanks.
(The worshipper of Ifa responds): Ifa, I also say let us give thanks.
Orunmila says: If animals wake up they should give thanks to Olodumare. By so doing Olodumare will bless them with longevity.
Orunmila says: Let us give thanks.
(The worshipper of Ifa responds): Ifa, I also say let us give thanks.
Orunmila says: If human beings wake up they should thank Olodumare. By so doing Olodumare will bless them with longevity.
(The worshipper of Ifa responds with heartfelt appreciation):
Owonrin-Sogbe, I thank you!
Orunmila, I thank you!
Elawoye, I thank you!
OLODUMARE, (above all) I thank you!
Olodumare, I thank you for giving me a nice, recuperative, restful and comfortable sleep last night. Olodumare, you have awakened me to be alive this morning. Olodumare, I lift my hands and they are lifted (I have the use of my hands)! Olodumare, I lift my legs and they are movable (I have the use of my legs)! Olodumare (by your gift) I am able to (think) and speak. I open my eyes and I can see (all the wonderful and beautiful things you have created). Olodumare (by your gift) my uttererances (words) do not sound irregular, confused or unsound. I am able to speak with clarity, normalcy, plainness and intelligence. Wonderful Olodumare, I am able to hear with my ears what another person says.
Olodumare tells us through Orunmila (the priest, seer, prophet, and son of Olodumare):
“These gifts, endowments and abilities that I have given you should be appreciated.”
(The worshipper of Ifa (Olodumare) responds): Please let me continue to give thanks at all times Orunmila, you who are the ***life saver.
***(Orunmila saves us from grief, dissatisfaction, sorrow and suffering by revealing the ways, instructions and power(s) of Olodumare to us).
We should not take the kindness, gifts and love of Olodumare for granted.
We often find ourselves taking everything for granted. For the sake of excessive material wants, pride, lust and greed we run in all directions. We make time for all kinds of things but find it difficult to spare a moment or two to remember Olodumare and spend time with Him. Some remember Olodumare only in times of emergency or pressing need. This should not be so. We should alway live in the continual awareness of the constant presence and blessings of Baba Olodumare. We should take to heart the teachings of Ifa on this all important matter of gratitude, appreciation and thankfulness. We should daily meditate upon it and practice it.
Holy Odu Ifa Oturupon-Irosun says:
‘When we wake up in the morning we should teach each other wisdom.’
The wisdom of Ifa is there to inform, inspire, encourage and enable us to reflect and make better choices. Ifa teaches that we can change our inner quality of life and make better choices. We can become better persons, wiser, more compassionate and grateful. We should endeavor to join and associate with inspired and virtuous people. In their company we can spiritually renew ourselves with the living guidance of Ifa. We can then discover our positivity.
Ifa affirms that we can learn to be grateful to our Creator (Eleda) and to the people who have contributed to our life’s achievements and success. We can learn to make each and every moment of life spiritually enriching and satisfying.
Waking up every day is a blessing, not a privilege. Don’t take it for granted. Make the best of each day in a spirit of thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation. Eliminate vanity and non-essentials.
Always remember that:
‘Olodumare is the King worth depending upon.’ (Holy Odu Oyeku Ogunda)
