Teamwork

Canoeing. Something I hadn't done in a couple years. Over the weekend, my husband, Steve, and I changed that. We headed up to Appalachian Outfitters with some friends, donned our life jackets and set off on an adventure. The scenery was beautiful. The gentle flow of the water, peaceful. We wondered aloud why we hadn't done this sooner.

The water was fairly shallow, making us question the necessity of life vests. But witnessing the capsizing of one of the canoes, gave some validity to the rule. The current was surprisingly swift. Steve and I kept our eyes on the river ahead, determined not to get hung up on the large outcroppings of rocks and trees that lurked just under the water's surface.

We navigated from left to right attempting to stay in the deepest parts of the river. When the canoe would head too far left, we'd adjust with some strokes to the right, shifting us out of harm's way. Several times it was possible to pull our paddles completely out of the water, letting the current do the work.

We were able to enjoy the beauty of nature from a fantastic vantage point. Turtles stacked one behind another slipped silently into the river as we drifted by. A graceful heron stood at attention a few feet from our canoe. And turkey vultures flew from their perch high overhead. Working together to keep our canoe from dangerous drifting, made it a successful canoe trip.

The concept of teamwork is NOT uncommon. My dictionary defines it as, "cooperative effort by the members of a group or team to achieve a common goal," (The American Heritage Dictionary, 1982). Steve and I had to work together to successfully navigate from point A to point B. The Bible is full of examples that applaud the idea of teamwork.

From the very beginning, God created a helper for Adam - Eve. Someone who would help him achieve the goal God had for them, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth," (Genesis 1:28; KJV). Even after sin entered the picture, God still intended for mankind to work together.  

In the New Testament, teamwork was just as important when Jesus sent His disciples out to do the work of the ministry. "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come," (Luke 10:1). When things went well, the two could rejoice. When things got difficult, they could encourage one another.

King Solomon put it best, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up,"(Proverbs 4:9-10).

Teamwork. An important part of accomplishing a common goal. Being able to give and receive encouragement along life's road, goes a long way toward staying motivated.

What about you? Are you part of a team working toward a common goal?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for showing me the importance of teamwork. Help me reach out and actively participate in encouraging other's along life's road. Thank You for always being there to guide me along this journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.