Teamwork . . .
Last weekend the NUTS (Niamey Universal Tournament of Softball) tourney enveloped Niamey. It was fun to watch and participate in the tournament this year. One of the things that I (Dave) love about sports is the lessons that can be learned and applied to other aspects of life. For example, a softball team must function as a team. You win as a team and lose as a team. You can have the best player in the world on the team, but unless the other 9 players are playing their roles, the team will lose. It is the same in the body of Christ. God creates each of us uniquely and desires that we play roles in order to build up the body and serve together as a unit. Each believer has a role to play that others cannot (and should not) play. Also, on a softball team, when one player is struggling or hurting, it impacts the whole team. In the same way, when one member of the body of Christ is injured (emotionally, spiritually, etc.), it impacts all the members around them – even if they aren’t aware of the injury!
It’s been encouraging this year to watch teens explore, learn and enjoy their growing roles on the team. It was a blast to play softball with them and watch them excel on that sports team. But it’s even more rewarding to watch them find their gifts and explore new ways to serve God in His ever-growing church. It’s fun to be with teens that are discovering their gifts and roles and then actively participating so that the team can thrive.
