My son has been home sick the last couple of days. It’s nothing serious, don’t fret. He had a fever and some aches but is now in recovery mode. He’s been resting on the couch with his cars, trains and books. We’ve been watching videos when it’s too much effort to play and then there are the naps. He’s napping again. I can’t remember the last time he napped willingly.
One of his favourite videos right now is the movie Cars. We only watch the race scene. He’s too busy to do much more but he loves watching the cars go round and round and fight it out at the end. We always end it shortly after one of my favourite interactions. I love the message that comes in the conversation between the rookie Lightning McQueen and the experienced Mr. the King when they meet following that first race.
The King: “Hey buddy. You’re one gutsy racer.”
Lightning McQueen: “Oh hey, Mr. the King.”
The King: “You got more talent in one lug nut than a lot of cars has got on their whole body.”
Lightning McQueen: “Really? Oh, that -…”
The King: “but you’re stupid. This ‘aint a one man deal kid. You need to wise-up and get you self a good crew chief and a good team. And you ain’t gonna win unless you got good folks behind you, and you let them do their job, like they should. Like I tell the boys at the shop…”
I think what The King says here is pretty smart. Life isn’t a one man deal. We don’t live it entirely in isolation, free from impact or need. Relationships are important. People are important. In order for us to be who we are created to be we need to invest in the people around us. We need to realize just how important the supporting players are in our life to our story. It goes beyond that too, doesn’t it? In life we aren’t always the star. Sometimes we play a key supporting role to someone else on their journey.
Our strength and success in life doesn’t just come from within. No one stands alone. Our success comes from the strength we receive in the support we get from others. As we walk through today, let’s remember to play our supporting parts well and appreciate those who support us daily, including God. Today let’s throw up many prayers of Thanksgiving for the strength and care he provides in our lives.
Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV