Lessons from the Olympics

Watching the Olympics with my family this summer has led me to think about the 2004 Summer Games in Athens.  Just prior to the start of the games, I was privileged to be a part of a mission team of about 700 high school and college athletes from the U.S and Europe.  Our mission was to conduct camps and clinics in Olympic sports for local kids, and using that platform, introduce them to the gospel of grace. 

It was a great experience for many reasons, but one that stands out was a lesson I learned from two of the group leaders on my team. Their names were Jeff and Lindsey and they were virtually newlyweds. While they were wonderful leaders, what I remember most was the way that Jeff and Lindsey communicated with each other about how they were going to spend their discretionary time. 

As you might imagine, they were continually being pulled in 30 different directions, and it would have been quite easy for them to put their relationship on hold as they kowtowed to the whims of their teen-aged team.  But that didn’t happen because they had a plan. 

Their operating system was what they called, “Team Us.”  Whenever a decision was to be made, Team Us came together to determine direction.  In just a matter of moments, they were able to discuss all the options, talk about how they felt, and when Team Us broke huddle they were on the same page. 

Not surprisingly Team Us flourished relationally.  Their commitment to each other, and to honest communication kept them at peace in a very stressful, chaotic environment. 

Going into that trip Jeff and Lindsey established a plan that enabled them to thrive relationally.  No matter the challenge, they stuck to the game plan and it worked. 

I don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that adopting a page out of the Team Us playbook would pay dividends in our relationships as well.