On the team

By Tom Ehrich

One knee surgery ago, I played first base for our church softball team.

I proved to be no more capable in church-league ball than I had been in Little League or Pony League. But I loved being part of the team.

Since then, I have developed a lengthy list of things at which I don’t excel, as well as a shorter list of things at which I do.

The non-excel list troubled me for a time. I had wanted to be a “four-season standout,” the omnicompetent go-to guy whatever the challenge.

But life moves on. I found my strengths, accepted my non-strengths, and learned the hard way not to force my weaknesses on other people. My most recent learning: let others get the credit.

In the course of all this, I found my voice. That’s the point of this post. Instead of trying to say all things, we can say a few things that truly matter. Instead of competing with other voices, we can blend. 

Watch this video: http://vimeo.com/72313024

I wrote the words. But it took a talented colleague named Yana to connect images to words, and sounds to images, and flow to sound. In the end, this video says more than I had imagined saying. It surprises me every time I watch it.

Even our greatest strengths become more when we ask for help. Who knew? All those years of wanting to be the star. All I really needed to do was ask for help.