As I wrote essays about the worsening conditions of life, I remembered the time when I coached our town's Little League Team for basketball. At first I was skeptical about the idea of taking charge of rowdy and pesky kids who always seem to misbehave and get in trouble. But my parents insisted and so I went and prepared for the worst. I went to the local sports center and braced myself.

    It was a circus! Kids running around throwing balls at each other greeted my eyes. I ran to the nearest bathroom to think of what I got myself into. I took deep breaths and went out to take charge. I held the whistle to my lips and blew a shrill warning stop whatever foolishness they were doing. Amazingly they stopped and formed a line. I gave them practice drills to work on and they willingly followed my instructions with enthusiasm and grim determination. I also saw the competitive spirit that drove these kids and I knew instantly that they have something to prove. some kids were good enough to play against other teams but what really caught my eye was how the little ones strived to push their body past its threshold. I really thought that they have a shot a shot at being great.

         I was suddenly ashamed of myself for almost walking out on them and giving up without even trying. I judged them prematurely and I never thought that I find a family with them on and off the court. I was proud, brash but now, as I see them win game after game with proud smiles and genuine happiness on their faces, I am humbler and blessed.