The Race Called Life

Once upon a time, there was a young athletic boy named George. He was hungry for success and for him winning was everything and Success was measured just by winning.

One day, George was preparing himself for a running competition in his small village. A large crowd gathered to witnesses the sporting spectacle and a wise old man upon hearing of the little boy, had also travelled to witness the race. The race commenced looking like a level heat at the finishing line, but sure enough George dug deep and called on his determination, strength and power.

He took the winning line and was first. The crowd was ecstatic and cheered and waved at him. The wise old man remained still and calm, expressing no sentiment. George, however, felt proud and important. A second race was called and two new young, fit, challengers came forward to run with George. The race was started again and sure enough George came through and finished first once again. The crowd was ecstatic again and cheered and waved for him. The wise old man remained still and calm, again expressing no sentiment. George, however, felt proud and important. " Another race, another race" pleaded the little boy. the wise old man step forward and presented George with to new challengers, an elderly frail lady and a blind man.

"What's this?" , quizzed the little boy. "This is no race" he exclaimed. "Race", said the wise man. The race started and George was the only finisher. The other two challenges left standing at the starting line. George was ecstatic he raised his arms in delight. The crowd however, was silent showing no sentiment towards the little boy.

"What has happened? Why not do the people join my success? " He asked the wise old man. "Race again" replied the wise man. "This time, finish together, all three of you, finish together" continued the wise man. George thought a little and stood in between the blind man and the frail old lady, and then took the two challengers by the hand. The race began, and George walked slowly, ever so slowly to the finishing line and crossed it. The crowd were ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise old man smiled, gently nodding his head. The little boy gave a sweet smile.

"Old man, I understand not! Who are the crowd cheering for? Which one of us three? asked George. The wise old man looked into the little boy's eyes, placing his hands on the the boy's shoulders and replied softly. "Little boy, for this race, you've won more than in any race you've ever ran before. And for this race, the crowd cheered not for any winner"

You see in life, in your life, what are you running for? Are you hungry for success? Is winning the only measurement of success in your life? Who are you running against? And if you always win against everybody then soon the crowd would stop cheering for you. At the end of life, if you look back, the question is who was running next to you in this race? If they were weaker and old , did you help them to get across the line? Did you all finish together? Because that is the best race you can ever run.

So run! Run this race called life!

But remember, it is not important if you win, it is important how you run the race.