so this morning i was out playing tennis with a friend. (i don’t think either of us are VERY good) we warmed up and then decided to play a game. the game went well, but there was some sort of a competitive tension, we both had to one up the other and in trying to win, we really had a miserable time because the ball was all over and outside the court and really not so much joy in it all. we said, let’s play one more game, so we did.
at the end of the game, i said, let’s just have one volley real quick…. and it was this moment that everything changed. we were playing well together, not trying to bash the other one down, or hit the ball out of reach… not trying to hit so hard that the ball flew over the fence or trying to “win”… it was good teamwork and an enjoyable time, much better than when we were working against each other.
you see, competition is a sometimes a good thing in it’s place. but what a life lesson to be learned in relationships. they are so much more enjoyable and edifying when you’re not keeping score. whether it be for positive things or negative. what would it look like to let loose and let go? not be in competition with friends, family, and neighbors. . . simply to love and enjoy each other working together to accomplish something. rather than trying to have the leg up…