Today’s thought is brought to us by Rev Paulson Devasahayam
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”. Hebrews 12:1 b
Recently, I faced a knee injury while playing in the Two Counties Cricket Championship. The injury occurred as I jumped over a fence to retrieve a ball heading toward the boundary. Reflecting on this incident later, I found myself questioning my actions. Why did I feel the need to jump the fence?
I replayed the moments leading up to my injury. Earlier in the match, I had seen a young lad effortlessly jump over the same fence to avoid the mild electric current and retrieve a ball. That image stuck with me. So, when it was my turn, I instinctively did the same—without considering my age, my physical ability, or the condition of the ground. The result was a slight twist in my right knee.
It would be easy to blame that young player for my injury, as I imitated his actions. But the truth is, he never advised or instructed me to follow his example. I foolishly chose to mimic him without thinking.
This incident reminded me of an important lesson: We are not called to write someone else’s story, nor should we allow others to write ours. We have the right and responsibility to live our lives true to who we are. This doesn’t mean we should avoid community, ignore guidance, or refuse to engage with others. Instead, it means recognising that our journey is uniquely ours.
In the Genesis story, the serpent awakens humans’ desire to be like God. Adam’s helpless race still wrestles with this same temptation—to be like others, to imitate what is not theirs, and to reach for what was never meant for them. It is natural to admire others and aspire to reach similar heights, but we must remember that our journey is our own. Life is an opportunity to make good of ourselves. Let our decisions and behaviours represent the finest version of ourselves while we travel our path.
Everyone has unique talents and gifts that help them choose their own lives. Each story is valuable. Believe that I am a beautiful story.
My knee, now healing, echoes Oscar Wilde’s words: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” I hope I won’t forget again when I am on the ground next time.
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the gift of life and all the life gifts. Grant us the wisdom to run the race set before us, staying true to the path You have laid out for each of us. Amen.