When I initially heard the details about working with Higher Ground, I was pumped. I had a general idea from past experiences of the camp atmosphere and adaptations. As camp progressed I realized I had a heart for the campers and their needs. My servants heart was happy and thriving. As camp progressed, my confidence grew into pride. Pride that prohibited or altered opportunities for others to serve and grow, including myself. I started to overstep my boundaries and stepping on toes.
Throughout the month I had to take a step back to realize that an independent mindset can only take you so far, especially when you are working with a team. Teams are created to maximize potential, encourage growth and foster relationships. Each person has to be willing to work together and know that we care for each other and come from a place of love, especially during feedback. (Feedback, positive and constructive, usually happens daily and serves as encouragement to grow. It may not be the easiest to take, depending on the situation.)
The hardest constructive criticism I have received was not being a team player. In those instances I realized the awkwardness of the situation but didn’t really know how to handle the situation appropriately. Processing the root of the issue, pride, was more difficult that I imagined. Humbling myself to accept the growth that needed to happen was initially a challenge to overcome in individual circumstances.
As time has progressed I have become more of a team player. Coming into the race I knew from the beginning that I have a strength in encouraging others, and knew that would be important in any situation. Unfortunately when my confidence over grew my strength of encouragement took a back seat.
Moving forward I am striving to apply the lessons I have learned in my daily life and relationships. The ultimate goal is for growth in my relationship with Christ and for His love to overflow from my personal relationship. Overflow into the interactions and relationships that are being formed. Relationships with teammates/squad mates, friends, family members and strangers. From the overflow of love, comes grace, compassion and patience with each other.
Grace that exemplifies you desire to understand their perspective and where they are coming from.
Compassion that shows the other person that you care about their needs and wants.
Patience to ensure that you are willing to work with them through the challenges.
