Monthly Archives: May 2021

Captain or Manager ?

#Football, Sport, ,

Damien and Sean were two good friends in high school . They made it to university together .

Damien was a sportsman and loved football . He was tall and tough , with tousled hair , aggressive and practical .

Sean had expressive eyes, brilliant ideas and a friendly approach . He was of medium height and neatly attired

During their life in University , Damien shone in sports specially in football . He captained his team and led from the front.

Sean too did well . He was an all rounder. He did well in academics and also took a lot of interest in sports. He followed the latest exploits of the football team .

What are the attributes of good leadership ?

On and off the field !

Damien is a hands on leader . He inspires his team by his aggressive approach ; a never say die attitude even in the face of defeat .His presence on the pitch , gives an impetus to the team for playing at their very best.

What about Sean ?

Sean can strategise for the team . His knowledge of team players helps in the final lineup or to bring on a player as substitute at crucial times of the match . He also is a great motivator .

The half time chats mean a lot to his team when they are trailing the opponents . He can advise, and change tactics with positional play.

His interaction with the seniors on selection or inducting new players goes a long way .

Empathy, and emotional intelligence too goes a long way in understanding the team members . It’s not only about winning but also about dealing with a loss or poor performance.

Do you think one is better than the other ?

We have great examples of team captains becoming managers/coaches later .

Some examples are

Zinidane captained France at the World Cup and now successively manages Real Madrid

Steve Gerard captained England , Liverpool and now manages Team Rangers .

One cannot forget Sir Alex Ferguson who had a long and successful tenure with the ManUnited team. He balanced discipline with love, and team members remember him as a father figure.

On a personal note , I am very impressed with Juergen Klopp with the way he handles his team , Liverpool. You can see his response to victory with such enthusiasm and defeat with maturity.

So dear reader a penny for your thoughts for whom you think offers good leadership

Damien or Sean ?

Rays of Light

healing, Poem, , ,

Malachi 4:1-3

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays ; you will leap like calves going out to pasture

You O Lord Renew us

With rays of righteousness ;

Each morn a reminder ,

that light overcomes the dark

When the sun comes streaming in ,

it brings light and warmth

but your Son true light of life ,

brings joy and restores

Renew us O Lord,

with rays of love and mercy

And bring healing in it’s wake

As we wait on you

Thank you Lord,

Is my prayer today,

remaining ever faithful

to you the Holy One

The Time Warp!

Life, , , ,

As my head touched the grass , my mind drifted into dreams of the past .

I remember Kahlil Gibran quoting that homes caged the dreams of people who needed to be free . In the midst of comforts they lost their freedom to experience nature .

The touch of grass , the cottony clouds above against the backdrop of the azure sky .

Memories go back to an evening near the Daal Lake . The grass had a golden hue and the waters of the lake a shimmering silver with the sun setting gradually . That was a sublime moment .

Then I remember the time a few of my friends went camping in the hills . We carried some food and spent overnight at that spot. A visit of a snake interrupted the quiet night and we had a restless night after that.

Memories to the University Stadium where I trained on the racing tracks . Victories in the 1500 meters race shine out from that time warp. Specially taking the lead before the last lap with a final burst of speed to leave the others far behind .

We played hockey matches at the centre of the grounds . Captaincy gave me the buoyancy to lead the college team with determination. We played the best team those days … and limited them to just a 2-0 victory . We defended so well that our skillful opponents could not easily penetrate our defence , to increase their score.

A highlight of one match was to avenge a rough tackle on my team mate . I waited for an opportune moment and swung my stick onto the Center forward’s leg instead of the ball . Obviously I was penalised . To top it all , that opponent came to deal with me aggressively after the match.

However the opponent captain was known to me and intervened to settle the matter amicably .

Another memory comes back while on a 3 day camp with youth . We trudged up a hill . On reaching the top we got an amazing picture taken of several youth jumping into the sky together.

The most memorable of all was the time I visited London for my daughter’s convocation. At her celebratory party , I sang my favorite song ‘Geeen green grass of home ‘ tweaking the words to honour her.

The memories of my home still linger as in time I’ve moved on to new events , places and find that they become memories too!

Can homes shackle us from a glimpse of freedom ?

Or is there something better still to come ?

Where nature and heaven beckons !

Burnout ?

Life, , ,

A lot has been said about ‘burnout’. To me it is a gradual exhaustion of both our mental and physical condition ?

This had taken a toll on my entire being . I got so caught up with meeting deadlines, that I realized my life line was in jeopardy . Will I burn out ?

Who will understand this.

I need to reflect on this myself. Which means to slow down. Awareness of the present is so important.Who has been my anchor if not my Saviour Jesus Christ when passing through troubled waters . Awareness of his presence is even more important.

‘Should you pass through the sea, I will be with you ; or through rivers, they will not swallow you up. Should you walk through fire, you will not be scorched and the flames will not burn you.’ (Isaiah 43:2 )

He has seen me through every challenge. As a student through the difficult days of academic and exam stress, and failed relationships.

Then in the work place to get along with my colleagues , bosses and subordinates.

Along with these challenges , health factors have come in through physical and emotional breakdowns and to a more serious illness like cancer.

There have been times of great success too ! He has literally lifted me from the ashes to high places.

Jesus has been my fortress and tower to run to in times of distress . He gives strength, courage , grace and most importantly his awesome love.

I cherish the people he sent into my life. From family to friends and doctors to even those who have been severe critics . All had a role to shape me into the person I am now.

What is my secret ?

It is to abide in Jesus . Without him I am nothing . He makes it clear when he says

‘I am the vine and you are the branches . Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing .

Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers; these branches are collected and thrown on the fire and they are burnt. (John 15:5,6)

To remain in him , I need to spend time with him in prayer, read scripture and frequent the sacraments .

Many today say “ I do not have time.”

In today’s situation , can the same be said ?

If a person loses his job , I’m sure he will have enough time on his hands . What happens when severe illness strikes?

So why wait for a dire situation to arise ?

Why not start praying daily ; to seek the Lord and be saved ?

Try a little kindness

Life, Short Story, ,

What does a young man do at times when the pandemic is prevalent.

Sam looked out of his window facing the road at Bandra. He is tall , very observant and a computer wizard . At heart he is compassionate.

He saw a very dejected looking man plodding past his home, at the end of the day . He seemed tired. Eyes were intense and lips red from chewing Paan . He was a bit grey, heavy set, with a drooping moustache.

Sam guessed the man needed help.

He hurried out to meet this man

“Where are you going ? Can I help you?

asked Sam

“Oh , I don’t know where ; I’ve lost hope “replied the man

“What is your name? Why are you not wearing your mask,” ( for protection during the Covid pandemic)

He quickly pulled out his mask and then replied :

“ My name is Mohan. I worked as a manual labourer at a godown, in Sion. Now there is no work , what can I do.”

Sam asked him a few questions about his work in the current pandemic . This triggered a flood of responses .

“Due to the restrictions most constructions have stopped. So how will there be any work? “

“Will you return to your village? “ enquired Sam

“I am worried as there are limited trains and many people like me ( migrant workers) are returning to their homes in the villages . “ said Mohan

“Do you have a place to stay? “

“Only for one week more , as I don’t have money to pay rent for the next month.”

“How about your food?”

“I cook just Dal /Rotis and veg , what is available, just one meal a day

It then struck Sam to direct Mohan to food counters set up outside the church nearby.

“Mohan, please go to St. Peter’s Church and you will meet some people who will help you.”

“Also Mohan , I will help you in booking a ticket to go home at your village. But please take care and wear your mask ok?”

Mohan’s entire demeanour changed . Hope returned , with a simple gesture of compassion from Sam .

Conclusion :

How can I help others during these times of trial ?

If you see your brother standing by the road

With a heavy load …..

Try a little kindness ( song by Glen Campbell)

Yes at St Peter’s Church , like many others , volunteers are doing yeoman service in providing food packets to many who are in need .

( Paan : is chewed after a meal or even at anytime . It is made of betel nut , chuna : slaked lime and red katha paste : from acacia tree and wrapped in betel leaf )