I used to participate in running races during my school days. I always have a passion for athletics. Every time I reach the school ground, my spirits are lifted up, no matter how grumpy I am. I spent almost 75 % of my school days in the play ground not because I am a very good player but because playing is my passion. I didn't even stand a chance how to play in my college days mainly because my college did not allow girls to play. In india you will find all such partialities. In the beginning it was very saddening, but gradually I got used to it. Time heals everything.
Just a few days ago, I happened to hear the story of an athlete who came to our youth fellowship in Church. It was a very interesting one. A spirit booster indeed. It is as follows in his own words.
''At the age of 5, I was affected by some strange fever which made my left leg shorter than the right one. After being bed-ridden for months, I started walking with much difficulty. With nothing to do, I started watching all sorts of program in tv and ended up becoming a great fan of sports channels. An ardent desire developed in my heart to become an athlete. You cannot become an athlete with a walking stick. So I gradually developed a new way of walking. Walking with my toes. At first, I felt it funny myself. It took me years to ace in that. My parents were against it in the beginning. But, later on they were the ones who encouraged me. Friends who ridiculed me at first later on became fans of my walking style. Some even call me as ''fast-paced''. Only very few know the reason behind it.
''I struggled a lot to participate in the first race. It still remains fresh in my mind as if it happened only yesterday. It was a 200meter race. I was the last one to complete the race. I was almost 100 meters beyond the person who came second last. But still I did not feel humiliated. I actually felt encouraged, for me who was doomed with a walking stick, it was indeed a wonderful miracle.
''After a lot of practice, I became the second last to complete the race. It was my first victory. Hard work and faith worked out many miracles. In the following year, I totally won 11 medals. Even doctors were totally amazed. I became the most popular person in my school. I even became a role model for most of the kids in school.
''Life is always full of twists and turns. Whenever there is a high tide, you will sure have a low tide following. In one such races, I injured my knee. And the doctors diagnosed it as ligament tear. Once again, I became bed ridden. After lot of commitment, I was able to run once again.
''After my school, I joined in a not-so-popular college. Engineering was not at all my stream. But I had to take it in order to please my parents.
''If the Lord God wasn't with me, I would have never graduated as a mechanical engineer. I had many back logs which lowered my employability level.
''I tried job after job. Attended a lot of interviews. After a lot of prayer, I got a job in central government with a good salary package. That too in my own home town.
''If you are passionate about something, nothing can ever be a hindrance to it''
