The last weekend of June 2022 was profound for me. I attended a charity football match to support youth leadership. Kenya’s general elections are due in August 2022 and more youth are coming out to contest political offices. You see, in my teen years, we were constantly bombarded with messages of youth being leaders of tomorrow. Most leaders failed to capture and live up to the youth’s aspirations, and it’s encouraging to see more Kenyan youth engage in active politics. If not now, when? Be the change you want to see.
The Joy of Communal Ties
First, I’m not an excellent football player. Having established that, it’s only fair to inform you how the rowdy crowd in attendance made it difficult to concentrate during the match. Dear reader, I guess what I’m trying to say is that I missed a penalty. Before you judge me, the crowd was huge. Mammoth. Plus, the team won the match. God is good!
In a pitch used by school kids, people came out in numbers to not only see young people play but also listen to the policies of youthful candidates. Well, of course, some came to enjoy the pleasure only known to football supporters but their attendance affirmed the value of community ties; politics notwithstanding. During the event, I saw people united by their affinity to community values and beliefs. The young children rushed onto the pitch during halftime to showcase their skills. Most probably, in the future, the baton of communal ties and leadership will solely lie on the shoulders of the youngsters. Continuity is assured.
Be part of community activities. Be proud to belong among people with shared values and beliefs.
Nostalgia
Yet the event reminded me of my younger days. In rural Kenya, the government sets aside a common pitch for social use. My father loved football. On Sundays after church, our village team would play against visiting rivals and win. Most times. The charity event brought similar vibes. It’s a reminder of God’s grace to witness times and seasons as they come and go. You should always remember to treasure life’s small moments.
Time Flies
It seems like only yesterday that we were getting ready for the new year. And now, here we are already halfway through 2022. The Covid pandemic struck with such ruthlessness. Most of us, myself included, wondered whether normalcy would ever resume. Today, though not totally eliminated, a sense of normalcy resumed. Furthermore, the world learned the importance of coming together. A vaccine was found and approved in record time. Intrinsically, that’s how life should be.
Treasure each moment
A story is given about how a father was forced by his wife to take a moment off his work to spend time with his son. Grudgingly, the man took leave to go fishing with his son. Mockingly, they spent hours on the fishing boat without catching anything. The father was livid. Years later, the father attended his grandson’s birthday, his son said he planned to take him out fishing. Why? Because that was the best moment he ever spent with his dad. Recalling how bored and withdrawn he was during that trip, the father (now grandfather) clings to his wife and tears up. That’s the power of moments. So, treasure each moment and give your best.
Time is precious
It’s important to remember that time is a precious commodity. We should be thankful for each and every moment that we have. And we should hope that we can make the most of the time we have left. Maximize it and give your all. Isn’t that what we all must do? Certainly so.
It all fades away…eventually
Don’t take time for granted. Cherish each and every moment. Because before we know it, time will have flown by once again. I’m sure, we can all look back and realize how much time flies. Don’t procrastinate on what you can do today.
Lastly, I certainly look forward to the next penalty awarded to our team. I hope to score. Till then, enjoy each life phase for a moment comes when you simply can’t do it.
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