Blind People At A Table
What do a table full of blind people sitting in a restaurant have in common? Turns out, a lot.
On a recent trip I had a unique opportunity to observe a large group of blind women and men having breakfast at the hotel where I was staying. Luckily I was also in earshot and could hear the conversation. Although listening in did make me feel a little guilty, I was glad I could do so without being noticed :) and honored for the unique opportunity to be a spectator of their conversation.
As I jotted a few notes & quotes in my Moleskin it occurred to me that what I was observing and hearing could also be applied to building and managing teams in a church.
Here are five things that I observed from the blind people at the table that can also relate to building and managing teams in a church:
- They were in sync. The blind people at the table moved things around the table as one. Plates were moved, drinks were refilled, and salt & pepper passed with ease. It was obvious that their working together was part of their plan for success. It’s the same with church teams – moving forward together as one is important to success.
- Mistakes will be made. One of the highlights for me was when I overheard a girl say loudly to a guy, “You know when you started the fire in the kitchen and all the alarms went off? That was so funny!” When she said the whole table erupted in laughter because they all were part of the story. Successful church teams understand that mistakes are okay and part of learning to be successful.
- Laughter builds community. The blind people at the table did not act like they had any negative challenges. They laughed – often and loud! To be honest they were the only ones in the stuffy and somber restaurant that were having loads of fun. Church teams that don’t laugh often and loud are missing out on true community and some of what’s most important in life.
- Each person has their role. It was obvious that each member of the blind people at the table knew what they were best at and what their role was. One guy was great at hearing where the waiter was and flagging them down, and another was always asking who needed a refill and passed the coffee jug around with ease. Understanding who is best at what is an important part of a successful church team.
- Grace must be given. Things did not go perfect for the blind people at the table. Things were spilled, dropped, and knocked over. But no one stopped and focused on that, they just kept right on going with their mission – eating and enjoying each others company.
It was fun enjoying a moment in time with the blind people at the table. I was encouraged by their zest for life and inspired to live my life focused more on chilled quality, and less on rigid quantity. Hope you are too!
