Power of Team

Very few gave the San Antonio Spurs much of a chance in Game 6 with the Houston Rockets. Not only was Tony Parker out, but now Kawhi Leonard! How could the Spurs possibly win without their two important players?

Of course, the Spurs did win that game, 114-75 and now one game into the Western Conference Finals with Golden State. Most experts counted the Spurs out. The Spurs, however, didn’t chose to play the “why us?” card. Instead, they chose to play. As Pau Gasol said “We’ve been blessed. But it’s the game. Whoever goes down, guys are ready to step up." (SA Express News, May 12)

How can we learn from the Spurs about the power of team?  Take an honest inventory of your own skills as a teammate:

Team Work- Outstanding individual play means little unless the team performs well as a whole. Your skills are important, but attitude is even more important! Do you work selflessly for your team? Do you speak well of other team members? Do you serve with humility? Do you promote unity or stir disunity? How would other teammates view you? Do you pray for fellow team members?

Take Initiative- Do you look for ways to step up and fill a gap? Do you have a sense of responsibility for the whole team and its success? Do you address the elephants in the room? How much initiative will you demonstrate on your team?

Reliability- Can others rely and depend on you? Do you do what you say? Do you keep your commitments and give your best in each situation? Can others trust you in all matters?

Enthusiasm- I can only imagine the Spurs could have been discouraged when Leonard went down as well. It’s so easy to lose sight of our goal when things don’t go our way. Yet, encouragement is contagious! When we encourage others, despite the difficulties, we can rise above some of the most dismal circumstances. When you encourage, you get your mind off your self and build confidence into others!

Self Control- How do you handle the difficulties facing your team? How do you monitor what you say and what you don’t say? Your tongue has an affect on your team whether you know it or not. Do you honor others with your words and actions?

Pick one of the skills above that you need to grow in. Focus on ways to grow in this area. Invite God to help you become a better teammate. Please join me in prayer.....

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for the benefit of TEAM. Help me to grow in the area of ______. Teach me how to serve selflessly and love deeply those I serve with. Help me to take action that will not only grow myself, but my entire team. Give me wisdom beyond my years to make right choices. Grow my character each day to display the very attitude and actions of Christ. Lord, how I need your help to be the best teammate I can be! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.