A Hammer to the Head!

WOW, WHAT A WEEKEND!  Like the picture, a hammer to the head this weekend.  Great preperation and great plans for a productive & enjoyable weekend were halted due to a "hammer to the head." 

My entire world came to a screeching halt early Saturday morning when I rose early before anyone else in the house was up - only to be greeted by Mr. Vertigo, who was so gracious to bring with him a spinning room, dizziness and naseau.  If you have never had Vertigo or know anyone who has - trust me, it isn't a joke.  It's a devastating and debilitating ailment that leaves you unable to walk without assistance.  NOW, the question becomes how do you handle and deal with unexpected interruptions to your plans?  If you don't have a back-up plan, a Plan B or haven't taken the time to fill a family member or team member in, you may wanna "jot that down."

I mean I had a list of things to accomplish, the wife was running a 5K the same morning at 9, my older son had to be at Amtrak at 8:30 and the younger 2 had to be picked up at 9.  ALL the plans were thrown into a quandry - all by the onset of Vertigo and my inability to function at a productive level at all.  I woke my wife, we spoke about what was going on with me and we discussed the options for the day.  Obviously she would cancel her race - no 5K for her today, right - WRONG!

We kicked teamwork into action and we would press thru the "hammer to the head" and get many of the weekend goals accomplished.  We were determined and committed to not allow this onset of vertigo to defeat our plans.  And I want to encourage you today, that if you have plans to accomplish - bring others up to speed.  Spouse, friend, co-worker, etc. but bring someone you can trust and depend on into your huddle and prep them for the "just in case" scenarios we encounter in this life.

 Take a look, here are a few things you can do:

1. Partner with your spouse, significant other or close friend. 
2. Make your plan clear, explain it and make sure you are on the same page with your partner(s).     Keep them ready to step up and step in when needed.
3. Share responsibilities - delegate and determine.
4. Check in frequently and make adjustments if needed.
5. Keep your focus in the midst of disruptions and distractions

These (5) simple steps can save you from your plans and dreams going down the drain.  They sound simple, but I wonder how many of us actually have an earthquake preparedness plan?  Raise your hand!  Exactly my point - we don't plan to fail, but failing to plan will result in failure every time.

Hey keep me in your prayers, swept off to the UC on Sunday morning by my wonderfully caring wife because there was no improvement in my condition.  Diagnosed with benign vertigo - it's frustrating but still getting it done.  Pressing our way using teamwork to make the dream work.  Be blessed and have a great day.  Expect the Great....

Gather Your Team

One of the funniest commercials on TV, to me anyways, is the one where the little kid is in the park playing with his football by himself when a bigger kid takes the ball.  The little kid says, "hey give it back."  But the bigger kid refuses and says come back when you have a team.  The kid gets in his mom van, gets the first 2 teammates as they lift weights in their garage, he then goes off to where he gets another teammate as this kid is wrestling a bear, he finalizes his team with his last member carrying a grown man from a burning building.  They arrive at the park and the big kid says, "touch or ..." and before he can finish his sentence, the little kids team says, "TACKLE!" 

As I continue my study and research of the book of Nehemiah and Ezra, it just further confirms that we need each other to succeed.  Nehemiah says, "the work is great and extensive..."  And I'm telling you it is.  Just look at the NBA play-offs if you watch basketball.  OKC loses Russell Westbrook, leaving Kevin Durant all alone to win every game...no way, the work is great and extensive.  Too much for one man to handle.  And what we have to accomplish, the task that lay before us - it's too great and extensive - ALONE! 

Just a few keys in building your team:

1. You need strength, those with the ability to endure the storms you will face.  In the funny commercial, the first 2 kids are weight lifters.  I mean 2 kids lifting hundreds of pounds on a bench press and the other doing dumbell curls - strong kids.  The first 2 display enormous strength. 

2. You need courage, in the book of Joshua, God says "only be thee strong and very courageous..."  It's funny, the 3rd kid he picks up is wrestling a bear!  He is on the ground with the bear in a leg scissor hold.  Strength & courage.

3.  You need compassion, in Ephesians 4 the bible says, "be kind to one another, tender hearted..."  here we go again, the next kid, he's carrying a grown man from a burning building.

Now these aren't all the keys in building a successful team and I'm having fun with the commercial comparisons, but I find it very interesting the writer of the commercial uses the kids as described. 

A team is essential in our success.  God Himself said in the beginning, "Let US make man in our image and likeness..."  God had the greatest team ever, then Jesus compiles another great team.  The Apostle Paul assembles an evangelistic team...all through scripture we see the importance of team work.  Perhaps not family by blood, but find those with like precious faith, similar passions, drive and urgency and go to work. 

Take the time to assemble a team, it's not a competition, but we can compliment one another's talents and gifts.  It's not about headliners or drum majors, it's about accomplishing the task we are called to do.  We can't win going solo, no way, no how - we need each other.  Remember this so we can support and encourage each other in the calls & commissions of our life.  Stay focused, stay encouraged, stay positive and remember, "Team work always makes the Dream work!"