A very long time ago, I spent a few years coaching basketball.
Yesterday’s quote was a core statement in our program:
We can accomplish a lot if nobody cares who gets the credit.
Of course, in the competitive environment of athletics, that’s much easier said than done – for adults as well as players.
But it’s not just sports – Jesus spoke about the human desire to seek recognition and have the best seat at the table.
He said we become fully human when we release this silliness, when we become the servant rather than the served, when we don’t care who gets credit and get on with pursuing justice.
I think there’s a corollary to this idea:
We can accomplish more when we let go of the need to be right.
That’s a tough one for me. I tend to get myself in trouble by speaking first and listening last.
The FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC will happen in just a few days (June 20). I marvel at how many people do so many different things to make this day happen. Most events of this size have paid staff, but everyone in this circle volunteers their time, talent, and resources because they believe in the cause and the community surrounding it.
But we’re humans. No matter how hard we try, people get tired and cranky. Somebody inevitably grumbles about “why do they do it THIS way?”
And maybe they’re right. There probably are better processes, and I might get defensive because I get tired and cranky, too. And besides, I’m right! Right? (Sarcasm font)
Fortunately, our circle is centered around Jesus and his grace. Mostly we’re able to keep our focus on him and on the kids we support.
It really is remarkable what we can accomplish together when nobody cares who gets the credit and nobody needs to be right.
That only happens in a circle with Jesus at the center.