I know that if I am ever part of a comedy duo what my place will be. I am the straight man, the guy who helps the jokes along, who is the butt of a few, and even plays the fool, all for the cause. I have no illusions about my position – it is just the way things would be. Ironically I can be funny but I am not an extrovert, I have no compelling desire to lead in this type of situation, and I understand the value of both positions.
Some see this as settling for second place. I see it differently. Teams, even pairs, are not about solo performances. Everything centers on the community. We win or we lose. Rarely, outside of human relationships, do we seem team examples. The exceptions include hyenas hunting their prey and a few other predators who have learned that collectively they are far stronger than individually.
While we know that teams are stronger there is little that naturally draws us into this type of relationship. Recent examples in British politics cause one to question even those who appear as loyal. It is as if in the quest to personally “win” everything else, even things we hold of immense value, can be jettisoned. Watching team sports often reflects the thin line between working with the team and leadership. There are recent examples of world-class players willing to be supporting actors on the big stage because they believe it will help the team. Yet these are rare and becoming more so.
The reality is a simple observation made centuries ago. “The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And the bridegroom's friend, his “best man”—that's me—in place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is off to a good start?” (John 3.29)
We are supporting actors in Divinity’s play. God is in the lead role. We can complete the scene, if we are willing.
