Working towards something greater than yourself.
Monday, I was given the opportunity to speak to the US Women’s Olympic Volleyball Team about selfless service. Giving back to a country that has given us so much. 26 Women are trying out for the Olympic Team in hopes of representing our country in the London Summer Olympic Games. For some of them, this is their first opportunity to compete in the Olympics. But for many, this is their third Olympic run and while the experience is not new, it is still an honor. I shared about the importance of working together for a greater purpose. The prize, the Gold Medal. Our National Anthem being played, while the American Flag is raised. It’s not just about individuals improving their stats, or being the star, but it’s about the Team being the best it can. As the Team practiced, I heard the smacking of the balls hitting the court floor. Their support of each other was understood by the cheering, applauding, “nice pass,” and “great serve.” I heard the coaches teaching, training and mentoring. They are working out the glitches, perfecting the Team. As they support each other, they begin to work as one unit, with one goal. They must be more than the sum of their parts in order to win.
Like the Women’s Volleyball Team we are all called to give of ourselves. God has given each of us specific talents and skills that He intends us to use for His glory. Paul tells us “to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philipians 3:14) And he was “confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philipians 1:6)