In two hours I am challenged to delivery a difficult message to a tough audience. Our ability to “win” at work is under question, the goals so close and yet we appear to be running away from them. How does one describe the need for everyone to engage as a team, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, working together for the common good, and demonstrating in real terms the will and commitment to win regardless of the cost?
The story and question is never new. Coaches, counselors, and managers continue to face this unknown every day. I find shelves of books available on the subject, yet they all seem detached, avoiding the hard realities of the fundamental change required in personal priorities and commitment. Though the color of my particular story is different the fundamentals are the finalizing an art show, scoring the goal in a street hockey game when the team only seems to want beers, or getting the job done for the 9 a.m. presentation.
The irony that often pervades every situation is the level of work already complete compared to the beginning of the journey. You have forgotten more about putting an art show together than I will ever know. At the same time, you fret and worry about what will need to be done before people walk in the door for the first time. We are both strong competitors, however it takes more than one to win a hockey game or complete most jobs.
I am not sure if the team I work with really wanted to win at the beginning. I do know a few who were quiet and uncommitted at the start that are leading the charge. I am just not sure about the veterans.
Spiritually it is the same. “All those people who didn’t seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as he straightened out their lives. And Israel, who seemed so interested in reading and talking about what God was doing, missed it.” (Romans 9.30)
Dear God, don’t leave us now!
