I breathed a sigh of relief after penning the last sentence of a story I am working on. Surely, there is another story waiting for me, but nevertheless, I felt that I could take a breather. There were enough planning, meetings plus other stuff that had taxed my brain to the max recently. Mentally I was exhausted.
I took this opportunity to play a sport that I had once loved more dearly than my own physical body. I can remember the times when I would wake up early in the morning to play before the sun was out, and staying on the court till the lights went out. I can remember running drills till my legs and arms and back were sore, yet in my heart was a joy that was rarely felt. I can remember twisting my ankles, both of them, so badly that they were swollen immediately, yet having the desire to continue playing through the pain, through the injuries, and tasting the sweet scent of victory at the end, or even in defeat, knowing that I had given a hundred percent.
This is why I like the quote “The man in the arena”.
And sometimes, I wonder, where has that man gone?
Nowadays, there are many times I just want to be safe, from risks, from hurts, from pain. Like C.S. Lewis said, “Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal.” But deep in my heart I think I would despise myself when I become this man. (Strong words perhaps)
Where is that man who gives everything, his all? Where is the man who has a desire that burns so deeply within him? Where is that passionate man, the imprint of the fierce Lion, who seeks to devour everything that stands within Him and that He Loves? I want to find that man.
Like the overseers said this past weekend, we need to dream, we need to have visions. There are times when we must take care, but there are times when we must take charge.
As I look upon my friend the Horse, the one who started later than me but has since overtook me, I see a glimpse of hope. Through sheer hard work and determination, he has improved to be a front-runner. He is no longer weak, but a force to reckon with on the court. Though not a stallion, he can hold his own among the bigger four legged animals around. From pulling a cargo wagon at the sidelines, now he has become a racehorse applauded for his efforts on and off the court. Thank you Horse. Though you do not yet know Him, but there is a four-legged creature you need to know. He is the Lion and you were made in His image. He is the Lamb too, for He is gentle. And there is the Dove, though not like the other two on the ground, ask of Him and He will lead you to find them.
I took this opportunity to play a sport that I had once loved more dearly than my own physical body. I can remember the times when I would wake up early in the morning to play before the sun was out, and staying on the court till the lights went out. I can remember running drills till my legs and arms and back were sore, yet in my heart was a joy that was rarely felt. I can remember twisting my ankles, both of them, so badly that they were swollen immediately, yet having the desire to continue playing through the pain, through the injuries, and tasting the sweet scent of victory at the end, or even in defeat, knowing that I had given a hundred percent.
This is why I like the quote “The man in the arena”.
And sometimes, I wonder, where has that man gone?
Nowadays, there are many times I just want to be safe, from risks, from hurts, from pain. Like C.S. Lewis said, “Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal.” But deep in my heart I think I would despise myself when I become this man. (Strong words perhaps)
Where is that man who gives everything, his all? Where is the man who has a desire that burns so deeply within him? Where is that passionate man, the imprint of the fierce Lion, who seeks to devour everything that stands within Him and that He Loves? I want to find that man.
Like the overseers said this past weekend, we need to dream, we need to have visions. There are times when we must take care, but there are times when we must take charge.
As I look upon my friend the Horse, the one who started later than me but has since overtook me, I see a glimpse of hope. Through sheer hard work and determination, he has improved to be a front-runner. He is no longer weak, but a force to reckon with on the court. Though not a stallion, he can hold his own among the bigger four legged animals around. From pulling a cargo wagon at the sidelines, now he has become a racehorse applauded for his efforts on and off the court. Thank you Horse. Though you do not yet know Him, but there is a four-legged creature you need to know. He is the Lion and you were made in His image. He is the Lamb too, for He is gentle. And there is the Dove, though not like the other two on the ground, ask of Him and He will lead you to find them.
So in a simple game of basketball, So in life.
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