Who is on your Team?

I am currently reading Teamwork Makes the Dream Work by John Maxwell.  One of my favorite quotes in the book so far says:

” Teams are incredible things.  No task is too great, no accomplishment too grand, no dream too far-fetched for a team.  It takes teamwork to make the dream work.”

I grew up with a dad that was a college basketball coach- so I spent much of my childhood surrounded by teams and immersed in the workings of them.  In part to my upbringing, I have always enjoyed sports… even when I was not very good at them myself.

Recently I started reflecting on how we are all part of a team— no matter what you do in life; business, ministry, family, or any other endeavor.  You are a part of a team and there are key roles that people in your life fill to make your team a success:

The Coach: This is the person in your life that  often is older, wiser and always available to help you learn from your mistakes and offer wisdom and council when you need them.  Many times they also see potential in you before you can see it in yourself and as a result they will push you and challenge you to grow and become better.

The Teammates: These are the people that you are surrounded by on a daily basis with whom you share goals, dreams, and visions.  Together you work together to achieve them and as a unit you are able to accomplish more together than any one of you could alone.

The Fan: This is the person who is behind you no matter what the score says- they refuse to give up on you and they are there to cheer you along every step of the way in life.

The Waterboy: This person not only sees a physical need in your life but they are ready to meet it.  They know that you are giving of yourself to others and often need to be filled back up yourself so they try to help you regroup and recharge physically and spiritually.

The Captain: This person believes in you 100% and they are there to motivate you when you feel like you have nothing left to give.  This person is not only willing to cheer you on– they are also willing to get dirty with you to help make your dream a  reality.

The Bench warmer: These key players are always ready and willing when you call on them.  They may not play a daily role in your dream but they are a vital part of the team because you can always count on them to be what you need when you need it most.  These the reliable people in your corner that never cease to amaze you.

Do people in your life come to mind when you read about the various roles of our lives team members?  Take some time today and let your team know how much you appreciate them.