There is a Yoruba proverb that says, “Ọmọ burúkú ní ọjọ́ tirẹ̀” — even the difficult child (or problem child) has their day. It is a reminder that people are often more than their worst moments. Many relationships break down because we judge people too quickly. We see a mistake, a weakness, a failure, or a bad season and decide we have seen the whole person. But life is not that simple. The person who disappoints you today may become a great blessing tomorrow. The person who seems immature today may grow into someone dependable. Not every rough season is a final verdict on a person’s life.
We can see this in the story of John Mark. During an early missionary journey, he abandoned Paul and Barnabas and returned home. Paul was so disappointed that he later refused to take him on another journey. The disagreement became so serious that Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways. Yet that was not the end of John Mark’s story. Years later, Paul would write that John Mark was useful to him for ministry. The same man who once seemed unreliable had grown into someone valuable. Time, experience, and God’s work in his life changed the story.
Take a moment to think about the people around you. Is there someone you have written off too quickly? Someone whose story you have already concluded? Wisdom teaches us to be discerning, and love teaches us to leave room for growth. People can change. People can mature. People can surprise us. The friend who struggles today may become a pillar tomorrow. The young person who seems directionless today may one day lead others. God is still writing people’s stories. Before you give up on someone completely, remember the wisdom of the elders: “Ọmọ burúkú ní ọjọ́ tirẹ̀.” Even the difficult child has their day.
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