Ouch... never sounds good huh... that word... OUCH!!!
Forget about how it sounds... oooh... the pain that follows...
There is an ongoing soccer league at my work place. Different departments forming up different teams to play against each other on a small field (Affectionately known as Kampong Field). Nice little grassy patch big enough for 5-a-side competition.
As physical well-being is a key concern to upper management at my work place. Emphasis was placed on safety while playing the game to prevent all posible injury... so the following arrangements were made.
1. NO SOCCER BOOTS, Studobootiephobia (Fear of studded boots)
- On a grassy field? Ok fine, we will all try not to slip and fall on each others trailing arms.
2. SHIN GUARDS ARE NOT COMPULSORY
- Hmmm... shin bone covered by muscle... no prob. FIFA has to re-examine their rules.
3. BALL MUST NOT BE FULLY INFLATED (Fully inflated ones are too bouncy)
Alright enough background to continue with liao...
During a lull in a match that took place after a short afternoon shower, a player approached to stop a rolling ball with his feet by gently steping on it. Alone, with no opponent (or spectator) in close proximity, there was no pressure. He excecuted the move with apparent ease and attempted to turn.
He fell. To the amusement of all who were watching.
Not a whimper of pain, nor a groan of agony was heard. But he just sat there on the damp grass. Not attempting to stand, only shaking his head slowly.
The laughter died as it dawned upon all who were present that there was more than meets the eye. His team-mate tried to hoist him up by the shoulders, only to be met by his flat refusal to be lifted to his feet. Instead, head still shaking, he said, "Duan4 Le4, Duan4 Le4." (Chinese: It's broken.)
As he said that, he shifted his limp ankle which was in an amazingly awkward angle back to its original position. Like the arms of a rice filled rag doll, he threw his ankle back into place with a flick of his wrist. Both his shin bones were broken from just above his right ankle.
OUCH!!!
POST MORTEM.
As much as the organisers tried their best to go about setting rules to prevent injuries. Some rules just can't work, some are just plain stupid to ignore, its an accident waiting to happen. But life must move on as we learn from mistakes huh...?
Painful as the accident may have been for the player. It brought to light the existing FACT that he has weak bones, and would require special treatment and diet. Such an important detail about his physical ailment would not have been discovered if not for this inccident. He could have been in a potentially fatal situation before he realise that his bones are brittle.
Is there a spiritual ailment in our lives that we have ignored? Warning signs of an accident waiting to happen?
Many of us fall On our Way towards Christ-likeness. Perhaps we should examine ourselves (be broken before God) the next time that happens (Falling). Just like for the player, it is a premonition to a greater danger that lies within.
Give me broken bones, take my broken life.