Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word team as “a group of people who work together.” I truly believe that everyone should be on a team of some sort in their lifetime. I think a team can be any group, whether it be musically, athletically, academically, occupationally, anything with a shared goal. The lessons learned and the value of being on a team are immeasurable.
I have been involved in some sort of team or group since I was a child and now continue to be involved in various teams as an adult through my job and church. The first value of being on a team is there is power in numbers. One person can be persuasive; two or more people can be divine. A reflection I read about yesterday’s Gospel mentioned how it was no accident that Jesus sent his Apostles in twos. The idea was people would see how the Apostles interacted with each other and spoke about Christ that people would be intrigued and want to learn more. There was power in the number.
Strength is increased when working together for a common goal. One team member may be a poor speaker or communicator. Another may have suffered great loss or tragedy and is unsure. Yet another may be boisterous and well meaning but misunderstood. If and when one member of your team falls, it is the other members who will lift him up. Working on a common goal allows these individuals to lean on each other and continue to grow in strength. The insight gained from other members’ strengths and weaknesses is also great.
Two or more people believing in something and sharing it with others also shows trust. Look at any sports team when they are celebrating a huge win or when they have played their final game together. The trust it takes to give 100% and share the joy and agony. The idea of working as disciples on a mission to bring more followers to Christ requires us to trust God, trust our priests, trust the people in charge of leading us. The Apostles gained people’s trust in the same way. The Apostles had each other for support and companionship. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
A fourth quality gained by being on a team is the reward. Of course our reward is Heaven, and the team we are on is as followers of Christ. The gift of sharing a common goal or desire, the gift of sacrificing one’s self to lend a helping hand to a neighbor or friend, the work put into growing a relationship with another person, these are rewarding. I listened to Father Adam’s homily last Sunday about our mission, and he spoke about all of the good things that have been accomplished the past few years despite the pandemic and trials we are currently facing. So many great rewards being heaped upon us all. We can truly count ourselves as blessed.
I would encourage everyone to be a good teammate. Learn to celebrate the power, trust, strength and reward that comes from working with others in our goal towards Heaven.
