The Master Who Appeared When I Was Ready

It’s often said that when the student is ready, the “master” will appear.

As a lifelong student of life and human experience, I can say from personal encounters that this statement holds profound truth. Through curiosity and humble inquiry in my interactions, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many such “masters.” These encounters consistently reaffirm my deep belief that our shared humanity is the ultimate connection that binds us all. 

One such “master” appeared last weekend in the most unexpected of places Utah. While simply negotiating a pair of sunglasses, I met a man who would teach me lessons that I, along with my dear wife Angela Salazar-Tetteh, needed to learn. His name is Azam Hussain, and our conversation left an indelible mark on my heart. 

Meet Azam: A Man Who Transcends Borders 

Azam hails from Hyderabad, India, and as our conversation unfolded, I learned that despite the vast geographical distance between us he from India and me from Ghana our early lives shared strikingly similar experiences. Azam and I bonded over the simple pleasures of childhood, like video games and bikes. 

He shared how he never had a gaming console of his own, much like many of us growing up in places where resources were scarce. Instead, he paid to play at a neighborhood gaming center. Similarly, for bikes, he would rent from a local vendor. 

This story was deeply personal to me because it mirrored my own childhood experience. Growing up, fun and joy often came from shared community resources, something that transcends boundaries of geography and culture. Our life stories, though told in different languages and landscapes, often share the same foundational chapters. 

The Power of Patience: A Simple Yet Profound Truth 

As the conversation continued, the most impactful lesson I learned from Azam was his unwavering belief in the power of patience. To him, patience is not just a virtue; it’s an essential part of living in harmony with life itself. He believes that “God is closest to those who are patient,” and nothing good truly comes from rushing through life. 

Azam posed a question that made me pause and reflect deeply: “Have you ever noticed how, when you’re in a hurry, you get caught up in traffic, or something or someone irritates you on your journey?” 

This seemingly simple observation holds so much truth. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the fact that rushing often creates more problems rather than solving them. Through his own practice, Azam has learned to surrender to life’s flow, trusting that things will unfold as they should, in their own time. 

He shared a personal story that encapsulated this beautifully. Azam often gets fined for opening his shop late. In the past, he would rush frantically to avoid the fine, only to encounter more stress and complications. But over time, he learned to embrace patience, arriving at his shop when he arrived. If fined, he would calmly accept it or explain his reasons without anxiety. 

This practice of patience extends beyond his work life into his personal life as well. When disagreements arise at home, rather than rushing to resolve them, Azam allows space for both parties to calm down and reflect. This approach often leads to greater clarity and more peaceful resolutions. 

For someone like me, who often seeks immediate results, Azam’s message was a powerful reminder of the importance of slowing down, surrendering to life’s process, and allowing things to unfold in their own time. This simple practice of patience can significantly improve our mental well-being and lead to wiser, more thoughtful decisions. 

Attitude: The True Measure of a Person 

Perhaps the most profound insight Azam shared was about the power of attitude. To him, external appearances, religion, or background hold little significance. What truly matters is one’s attitude because your attitude is what defines your heart. 

Azam believes that it’s not about how you look, what religion you practice, or where you come from. What truly matters is the attitude you bring to life. Our character and true essence are revealed not by the labels we wear, but by how we approach life, how we treat others, and how we respond to challenges. 

This perspective on attitude is particularly striking. It goes beyond surface level interactions and dives into the very core of who we are as individuals. Azam’s message was simple yet profound: A positive, respectful, and open attitude can transcend all external differences, fostering genuine connections and mutual understanding in ways that mere labels and affiliations cannot. 

The Master I Nearly Missed 

Reflecting on this encounter, I can’t help but be thankful for the curiosity that led me to engage with Azam as a customer. Had I not taken the time to ask questions, to listen with an open heart, I would have missed out on this incredible lesson. 

In a world where we often rush through interactions, focused on our own agendas, it’s easy to forget that true wisdom often comes from unexpected places. Azam is a perfect example of this. His life, his experiences, and his teachings are a testament to the power of patience, the importance of attitude, and the universal truths that connect us all. 

A Call to Action 

If you’re ever in Salt Lake City, particularly near the South Town Mall, I highly recommend stopping by Azam’s shop, Kick & Play, located across from the food court. Share a moment with him, and let his wisdom leave an impact on you, as it did on me. Tell him that his new friend Charles sent you, and you just might get the “discounts” I jokingly mentioned during our conversation: “Good discounts come to those who wait and are patient.” 

In a world that often encourages us to rush, Azam has reminded me of the value of slowing down, being present, and living with intention. It was an absolute honor to meet him, and I’ll forever carry the lessons he shared with me. 

If we all took a moment to engage with others with curiosity, patience, and respect, we’d surely discover just how much we truly have in common.