Archery, one of the oldest and most enduring arts, continues to captivate people in modern society. It has also found its place as one of the nineteen skill stations in the highly anticipated Youth Congress 2023, attracting numerous eager delegates.

During the event, a twelve-year-old boy eagerly stepped forward to participate in the archery activity. However, in his excitement, he accidentally aimed his bow and arrow in the wrong direction, unknowingly endangering those around him.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the event, this potentially dangerous situation went unnoticed by the crowd and the event organizers. Fortunately, a remarkable five-year-old prodigy named Sky, from the Northeastern Mindanao Mission, displayed incredible awareness and courage. He immediately recognized the imminent danger and fearlessly raised his voice to alert the young boy, urging him to redirect his bow and arrow towards a safer direction.

The significance of archery is not lost in ancient scriptures, where it often symbolizes God’s guidance, protection, and judgment. For instance, Psalm 127:4-5 draws a parallel between children and arrows in the hands of a warrior, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and training young individuals to fulfill their purpose.

In moments when we stumble and lose our focus, let us find the courage to realign ourselves with His divine purpose and aim for the targets He has set before us. Through such alignment, we can discover strength, purpose, and fulfillment in our journey.

By Lesley Joy Estrella
SPUC ComDept