Dear Families and Friends of Peace,
We are approaching the end of one of the greatest weeks in all of sports. Last weekend, men’s and women’s college basketball teams competed in the Final Four, and then for the National Championship. Starting today, The Master’s golf tournament begins at Augusta National.
Watching the basketball games, I was struck by the unique situation that both finals included the best individual player against the best all-around team—and in both cases, the best team was victorious. And every year, I find myself awestruck at the passion and determination displayed by the teams competing, and at the immense amount of teamwork they need to win. They’re unified around a common goal, and when the confetti falls, the hugs, tears, and overwhelming emotions burst out. It’s incredibly inspiring to me.
Similarly, while golf is technically an individual sport, the golfers themselves are never alone. They’re always accompanied by their caddies while they’re on the course, and they almost always have family members there for support who greet them as soon as they finish their rounds. During yesterday’s par-3 competition, a “bring your kid to work day” tradition during Master’s week, players even got to have their spouses, significant others, and/or children be with them as honorary caddies. So while it may seem like golf is solely dependent upon the golfers themselves, it’s a great reminder to me of the support, encouragement, and teamwork needed for anyone to succeed.
Not everyone cares about sports—and that’s just fine. But this amazing week stretches the limits of what we believe to be possible, shows us what can happen when hard work pays off, and exemplifies the utmost importance of surrounding ourselves with a network of support—a team—to celebrate with us in our victories and to care for us in our defeats, just as God does with us too.
Grace and Peace,
Joe
Reminders:
- Today is your last chance to register to serve at Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen on Saturday morning from 9:15-11:15am. Please register here or email me by midnight tonight!
- VBS Registration is open—please sign up as soon as you’re able!