Many years ago, we watched our nephew play T-Ball. I had heard of that game, but had never seen one. Thinking back on that experience, I realized that adult T-Ball could be a great diplomatic tool to work out our differences.
The simple rules – well, there aren’t any. No one keeps score. You get around the bases in as much time as you need, even when you stop to tie your shoe between first and second base.
Notice the valuable lessons about this game. First of all, competition’s absence helps everyone have an equal chance. Everyone’s future is equally possible. Second, merely the joy of playing prevails. Each team cheered each other because, you know, no one keeps score. Third, because competition goes away, comparison also goes away.
We can learn a lot from children. We adults concern ourselves with winning and losing, not with good results. We love the praise for our own work, and the discounting of our opponents. The joy of merely doing our best is lacking because of our competitive nature.
God calls us to weep with those who weep and celebrate with those who are joyful. So let’s use T-Ball diplomacy and accomplish work that is meaningful, for everyone, and acceptable to God.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17 (NLT)
