Joining the game.

I recently visited a school with no bleachers. Given its intentional small size, every student is needed. There is no place to sit and watch others participate, no place to look on and critique, no opportunity allowing time to make sure you can do whatever is asked flawlessly.

I left with a certain amount of intimidation. How would I have done in such a place? Looking back, I can see moments when I sat in the bleachers, letting others take the risk. The fear of failure or embarrassment was too often sitting beside me in the bleachers, and now I regret the times I played it safe by not playing at all.

Teddy Roosevelt spoke eloquently of those who are brave enough to enter the arena, the ones with sweat, blood and more than a few skinned knees. Brene’ Brown built on his words by encouraging us to dare greatly in her amazing book. Most recently, I watched a talk by Molly Barker challenging us all to have the courage to speak and live from our hearts.

It is a message that has been said in countless ways, but is so hard to do. Whether in our lives of faith, our relationships with others, or in our jobs, the bleachers are always calling, inviting us to come sit and watch. How hard it is to turn down the invitation, and harder still to get up once we’re seated, but I believe that’s what we're called to do. It is on the field, or in the arena, that true life, real relationships, fulfilling careers are to be found.

The choice is ours.

The game is on.

It’s time to get up and play.

For more on the subject:

Teddy Roosevelt’s speech           “The man in the Arena.”

Brene’ Brown’s book                   Daring Greatly

Molly Barker’s Ted x Talk             www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw8hnAq0wbQ