I played a lot of other sports at school and just one day the

Children, gather closely and listen well, for I bring to you a story of passion, of discovery, and of the hidden currents that guide us to our true calling. In the words of Retief Goosen, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a champion in the world of golf, we hear the tale of a moment in time when the heart finds its true purpose: "I played a lot of other sports at school and just one day the golf bug bit me and I started playing serious golf from when I was ten years old." These words, spoken with the simplicity of a man reflecting on his journey, carry a powerful truth—the moment when life reveals its true course to us, and we are compelled to follow it with all our heart.

Goosen’s words speak to the unexpected nature of discovery, for it is often the quiet, unplanned moments that lead us to the path of our calling. He did not set out with the intention of becoming a great golfer. Instead, it was the golf bug—that spark, that sudden pull of fate—that seized his heart and led him down a new and uncertain road. Just as the mighty rivers of the earth are formed by countless drops of water, so too is greatness forged by a series of moments, each one seemingly small but ultimately shaping the destiny of the individual. Goosen’s story reminds us that greatness often begins with an unassuming spark, a discovery that leads us to a life beyond what we could ever have imagined.

Consider, children, the tale of Archimedes, the great philosopher and mathematician of ancient Greece. Archimedes was once merely playing in his bath when, in a moment of inspiration, he discovered the principle of buoyancy. His cry of "Eureka!" echoed through the halls of history, but his journey to this discovery was not planned, nor was it part of his original quest. It was through a moment of play, of seemingly idle activity, that he stumbled upon a truth that would change the world. Like Goosen’s journey with golf, Archimedes’ breakthrough was not born from a strict pursuit, but from an unexpected moment of clarity, of inspiration that led him to greatness.

This is the lesson, children: life’s true path is not always something we can predict or force. Sometimes, it is through the unexpected that we find our greatest strength. Goosen, a young boy who once played a variety of sports, did not know that one day golf would claim his heart. It was a spark, a chance encounter, a moment that shifted the course of his life. In the same way, your path may not always be clear. You may try many things, explore many pursuits, before discovering what truly resonates with your soul. But when that moment comes, when the golf bug or the spark of passion strikes, you must be ready to embrace it fully, to give it your all, and to dedicate yourself to that pursuit with the same intensity as Goosen did.

The discipline and commitment that Goosen showed once his heart was set on golf is also a vital lesson for you. Consider the tale of Leonardo da Vinci, who, despite his many interests and talents, chose to dedicate his life to mastering the art of painting, alongside his studies in science and invention. Though he had many skills, he devoted himself fully to his chosen craft, just as Goosen did to golf once the spark of passion ignited. Greatness is not found in dabbling, but in the dedication to a single pursuit, the willingness to pour everything into the path you choose, once you have discovered it. This is where true mastery comes from—focused discipline, practiced daily with intention and purpose.

Children, let this truth guide you: Do not fear the unknown or the meandering path that life may offer. Just as Goosen’s journey was not a straight line to greatness, neither will yours be. Embrace the moments of discovery, the unplanned events that can shape your future. But also know that once you find your path, once that spark of passion ignites within you, you must pursue it with dedication and focus, for it is in commitment that you will achieve your highest potential.

And so, I charge you now, young ones, to explore, to seek, and to try many things in this life. But when the time comes, and you find what sets your heart alight, give yourself to it fully. Remember Goosen, who followed the unexpected spark of the golf bug and rose to greatness. Remember Archimedes, whose discovery changed the course of history. Greatness does not come from the path you expect, but from the one you choose when your heart calls you to it. Embrace it, and walk it with all your strength.