Sunday, July 02, 2006
Watching the World Cup 2006 quarterfinals over the past 2 days has been frustrating. The 2 teams that I supported and had hoped to see in the final, both got knocked out. But that was not the only frustrating thing. What made it worse was the many instances of play acting. When Germany played Argentina, someone sent the ball in from a corner kick. And all of a sudden, the ball was cleared and Ballack was lying in a heap, clutching at his face. Replays followed and there had been no contact, but on seeing the ball and his team's chance fly past him, he decided to fall thearitically on the ground. If you were German, would you respect him. Should he lead his team on to World Cup glory in a week's time. Players roll around in great agony and stand up immediately once the referee produces a yellow or red card. It disgusts me totally that players have the mentality that winning is everything. If it means injuring someone to ensure you win the game, then you better do it. I play soccer myself, and I know exactly how sweet the feeling of winning is. Yes, I may not be playing competitive football, less so representing my country. But nevertheless, everytime I play I want to win, and I fight hard to do so. But when I do foul the opponent by kicking at his leg, I do not require a referee. I return the ball. I did it when we played that game in May, although I was desperate to prove myself. But why are professionals acting so childishly. These people who command so much respect from me for their amazing ability to play the game are the exact same ones who practice rampant gamemanship. Do the ends of being a World Cup winner justify the means by which you get there?
I was having Sunday school today. And the lesson was on God's instruction versus our Personal Interest. And I know I have always seen my own interests as of greater importance, relegating God's instructions to being the back up plan. Or even the last resort. And there was this church friend of mine. He was sharing about his personal experience. At the tender age of 12, his parents underwent a divorce, and his parents were given joint custody of him. This custody would last until he was 15 years, when he would have the autonomy to decide which of his 2 parents he wished to follow. And he determined in his heart to endure the 3 years, afterwhich he could ensure that his father was out of his life. And when he finally reached 15, it was a dream come true, being able to finally leave his dad. But in God's Word, it is stated as a Ten Commandment that we should Honour our Fathers and Mothers. And he made the painful decision of continuing to let his father have joint custody of him.
And I really admire him. He may not be in a good school. Neither is he wealthy or whatsoever. But he knows what it means to sacrifice his personal interest to ensure that he aligns himself to God's instruction. And I frequently struggle with this. Even a simple command such as Honouring my parents, I have great difficulty obeying. I never fail to covet that new gadget of clothing. And so much more. But there are others who despite having to make other greater sacrifices, still wholeheartedly follow God's instruction. And I am ashamed. Because I have been a Christian since young, but I have reached no where near where he has gone.
And there was also a time of sharing on what do we struggle with. And i told my group that I struggle everytime science practicals or SPA, come along. Because everyone knows what is going to come out. They share the information. And as much as I know how important this examination is to my A Level results, I know that it would certainly not please God. Because it is cheating. And it really appalls me when I tell others not to find out the questions, they retort me as though they had the right to know. That since everyone in school knows, why shouldn't they. I know of people who bring in calculators with formulas scribbled down in pencil. And I guess, its all about do the ends justify the means and, are we doing things for our personal interest, or abiding by God's instructions.
I do not profess to be perfect, I am just sharing some of the things I struggle with. I do have my own faults. The things I preach but do not practice. And after quoting 2 examples of the World Cup and studies, finally something most controversial yet close to my heart. NPCC. And since I have since left the organisation, I guess it would not matter.
Over the past one and a half years in NPCC, I have really struggled. For me, a person who has risen to the ranks of a Cadet Inspector should be someone with integrity. More so when it comes to units, organisations managed by people known as Instructors and Officers. And I have learned to my horror that not many have space for integrity. It is not a priority. It has become an ideal. "Good if you have, doesn't matter if you don't. Just ensure the results are there." And I have never been the best Cadet Inspector. I have never been a commander in NPCC Day parade or SYF. Never really acheived anything noteworthy. Such as bringing a unit to Gold Award. Or whatever other achievements. But I have always conducted myself in a way where integrity comes above all. I do not lie when people ask me about kayaking without qualifications. I do not lie just so my buddy can be in the same activity with me during ATC. I do not send cadets for classification shoot twice, so that they can enhance their shooting techniques for the competition. When it has been explicitly stated that an NPCC cadet should only participate in one throughtout their term. And I must say, these people have become successful. They hold excellent reputations across board. They fare really well in competitions. They are widely respected. But they have no integrity. And this is one thing I will never regret leaving NPCC for. All the silly politicing, and lack of integrity.
I suppose, its time units and instructors reflect. And redefine our priorities. Because the ends have never justified the means. And it never should. Not in an organisation such as NPCC which upholds the core value of integrity.
P.S. Please read the entire article thoroughly before jumping to conclusions. I have mentioned no names of any organisations and people. However, if you feel that tinge of guilt from reading this, then I suppose rather than leaving an angry comment, the time is ripe for a change.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:08 pm
: 9:05 pm, July 03, 2006Oh well, maybe im still green in this field despite being in npcc for so long.
Or maybe i haven't exactly given wholeheartedly to np.
friend.
: 9:10 pm, July 03, 2006 : 9:25 pm, July 03, 2006I know anons can get irritating.
But don't worry, i mean no harm or anything like that.
Maybe just casual comments from me.
just call me ms.ran will do.
ms.ran.
: 11:35 pm, July 04, 2006