The current trend is to give youth a lot of importance and ignore the sages of old .
Once upon a time there was a young man Timothy who was an ace footballer .
He showed great promise from his school days . He had a mentor called Max.
Now Max nurtured Tim’s progress over a long period . His advice was
‘Practise , Tim and keep fit . Lead a balanced life .’
This was accepted as a rule by the young man .
He grew in stature with his football skills .
As soon as he finished his school he joined a junior academy of a famous club .
When interviewed by sports channels he was asked what his mantra was
“ I follow my mentor’s principle of practise and a balance in life.”
He began to be noticed and soon got selected to play in the senior team .
As time went by , Tim became one of the sharpest and prolific goal scorers .
Accolades poured in.
Soon Tim got recognised by the media and was sought after wherever he went .
His team became victorious .
Celebrations followed.
Very soon he devoted less time to the ‘discipline of a balanced life due to the attractions of the world .
He became slack and overconfident.
One day , Max met him and enquired ,
“Hello Tim , how are you ? Let me know if you need my help anytime .”
“Oh , I’m doing well . I don’t think I need any help or advice from you now.” replied Tim .
This saddened Max .
Tim continued his career in football and also celebrations continued . This was a time for ‘wine , woman and song’ as the saying goes .
Tim earned big money . This he squandered on betting and alcohol.
Gradually his performance on the football field was not as before .
He was dropped from the first team and was shocked by this .
He was so disturbed that he decided to meet Max .
“ Max can you help me find my focus again? I’m unable to perform as before.”
Max asked him a simple question ,”Do you remember the mantra I taught you ?
Are you observing it ?”
Tim hung his head in despair “No , I have ignored those principles”
“Then start over again, and you will see the change happening. To keep your balance you can also pray daily “
Right enough, Tim improved and was back into his first team .
Now he remembered his mentor’s advice of ‘Practise and a balanced life’
The future beckons to youth . Can one ignore the advice of elders . Then fame in football can be handled in a much better way.
viewvin 