Joy In Team Work

In January of this year I mentioned in a blog post that there would be a week in May when several life changing events would occur. Well, that week has just recently come and gone. I watched my oldest daughter receive her high school diploma, with honors, my youngest daughter turned 16 and I turned 40. I also, along with all my children, completed that 5k that I had signed up for back in January. It has definitely been a month of joy, gratitude and reflection. I have been reminded many times that all of these events took team work; not only as a family, but those within our community, school, church and circle of friends.

I know you are waiting for me to mention running, so here it goes…. The morning of our race just happened to be one of the coldest, wettest days in May that Alabama has ever had on record. I actually tried to convince my children that maybe it wasn’t the best idea to run that day. We were not prepared to run in that kind of weather, but they wouldn’t hear of it. They had trained (some more than others) and were ready to run and they wanted their mom to join them too. So, against my better judgment, I agreed and we set out. I’m not sure I have ever been so wet and cold in my life, but on the flipside I was truly happy. Why, you ask? I can’t tell you what a neat experience it was for all of us to cross that finish line (all within a few minutes of one another) and know that we accomplished it together. We were soaked and shivering, but it was well worth it!

Isn’t that what being part of a team is about? I was hesitant, but my kiddos encouraged me to face the challenge. Some of us were slower than others, but that was ok, because the faster ones waited at the finish line and cheered on those behind them.

Is there anyone on your team that could use a little encouragement and maybe even a little cheering on? It is so much sweeter to share a victory with others, whether it be at work or at home.

Remember there is no I in Team.

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