Most of us have heard the term
“team,” growing up.Whether we were part
of baseball or ballet, we learned the basics of a group working together
towards a common goal:to win!
Before
modern technology, we used “teams” to get the job done; a team of oxen to pull
the plow or wagon, a team or horses to pull the carriage, a team of men to
design the beginnings of a new city.We
have always used teams.Some of the
Pioneers used teams of oxen to travel approximately 1,300 miles across the
United States; an outstanding distance by anyone’s standards back then, and
that’s still a long way to walk.Thankfully, the oxen were trained and able to work with each other to
travel that great distance through mud, snow, and seemingly endless
plains.But what if they hadn’t been?
Imagine
a covered wagon being pulled by two strong oxen; one on the left and one on the
right.Imagine the wagon driver with a
rope in each hand with the end of the ropes tied to each ox.Now for a little test; don’t stress, you
don’t have to study for this one, just use your imagination.
Is
the driver going to be able to control oxen?Are the oxen going to work together?How do they know how to work together?Will the wagon even move?
Any
thoughts?I’ll make it easy; the answer
to all 4 questions is: “No”.The
powerful oxen would pull the rope straight out of the driver’s hands, most
likely going in separate directions, leaving the covered wagon in the dust
(don’t worry if you didn’t pass the test, this one wasn’t for a grade).
There
are three fundamental truths illustrated in our little quiz:
1.Humility
2.Love
3.Teamwork
A
close acquaintance of mine is a farmer and has been for decades, one of the
wisest men I’ve ever met.On one
occasion, he was explaining to me how he trains his cattle to work in
teams.He explained that after he picked
out a team, he would take a single rope and tie it around the necks of each ox
leaving them about 3ft of slack.He
described how, at first, the oxen find even the simplest of tasks very
difficult.However, only a few days
later, we can find the 2 oxen sleeping, drinking, eating, and walking in nearly
perfect synchronization.
When they are finally yoked to a wagon, plow or other
machinery, they still pull in unison.Even if one of them is significantly larger and stronger than the other,
they have learned to adjust to each other’s strengths and weaknesses and pull
together as one.
Now, as you have probably guessed, this is just a super
long analogy about the family.When Mom
and Dad are “equally yoked” the whole team moves forward with ease.This is what a family unit is.
Parents should be close to one another, helping, supporting
and cheering one another on through mud, sunshine, and snow; never letting the
other down, but let’s not forget the kids!
Adding children to the mix only enriches the circle. Mom
and Dad form the executive system, meaning they’re in charge and they set the
example and teach what is right and what is wrong.They become the leaders of the pack.As they caringly, but firmly, guide and
protect, the family becomes a close-knit circle of trust, safety, and
love.This allows deep bonds to be made
both in the executive system (Mom & Dad) and in the family system as a
whole.
So, Moms & Dads?Love one another; respect each other; have fun together and your
children will love, respect, and have fun with you.
Comments
Post a Comment