The Next Set of Downs

In a training session that I attended yesterday, our instructor shared a story about her teenage son who is a high school quarterback. As a quarterback, it is his job to lead the team down the field in order to get the ball into the end zone. He must not only desire to get the ball across the goal line, but he must also share this vision with his team. She observed that her son, after completing a pass that results in a touchdown, will run up to the receiver and give him a high five. He takes a moment to bump fists with his offensive line, a nonverbal way of saying “thanks for protecting me.” This is not uncommon behavior in the least. In fact, if you watch any athletic event, you will see teammates sharing in the celebration of points being put onto the board. However, she did notice that after he finishes briefly sharing in the mutual success with his team, he heads over to the bench and sits down alone. Concerned about her son, she asked him after the game why it is that he sits down in solitude after making such a great play? Why doesn't he take more time to celebrate the moment and enjoy the fruits of his effort? She was surprised when he told her that the points for that set of downs were already on the board, and that he was over that success already. He goes to the bench in order to think about the next set of downs so he and his team can share in continued success.

A lot can be learned from this seventeen year old guy. First, he understands that it takes a team to put points on the board. If the line weren't there, or if they were not equally committed to the mission and vision of getting the ball into the end zone, then the quarterback, regardless of his talent, would not be able to get the ball to the receiver down field. His line is there to protect him so he has time to get the job done so they can score points as a team. He also understands that it is important to celebrate and share your immediate success with your team. However, it is equally important that we begin to focus on the next set of opportunities and challenges. We have to be prepared for the next set of downs.

In your life, are you celebrating and sharing the victories that you and your team are achieving? Are you taking time to thank those on your team that have helped you to put the points on the board? Are you scoring points, or do you continue to find yourself always coming up short, faced with turnovers, or being forced to punt? When you are challenged about why you no longer put points on the board, do you point to the scoreboard and tell people to review the video of your past successes, or do you admit that you have some work to do?

Life is a team sport, and we need others in order to achieve all that we have been created for. Every one of us needs to have a team that shares in our mission and vision if we desire to see our goals achieved. We need to be a part of a team that joins us in celebrating our victories, and encourages us to think about the next set of downs. It is time to get back into the game of our lives.