The Assist

A little assistance can make all the difference!

In the NHL, Gretzky holds the record with 1,963.? John Stockton, holds the NBA career record with 15,806.? And in professional soccer, Messi’s 377 and Pele’s 369 respectively take second and third to Ferenc Puskas’ 404.? Also, let’s not forget the Women’s Professional Volleyball Circuit where Sydney Hilley of the Indy Ignites led the league with 640.? We’re not talking goals, points or kills here, rather we are recognizing what preceded the scoring; we are focusing on the assists!

An unknown nine-year-old inspired this week’s writing.? Once again I travelled to Jersey on Saturday morning to watch my grandson play his final game of the season.? Within the first five minutes of the game his team was up 2-0 on goals scored by a center who had both good skating and stick skills.? It seemed he could easily break past the defenders and take the puck in one-on-one against the goalie, but that changed.? After his initial two goals he took very few shots, rather he would set up the shot and then pass the puck off to another player.? While not always successful, he was providing opportunities for his teammates to shine.? That’s what I call an MVP.

We live in a goal-oriented world.? More often than not it is the lead scorer or the lead producer who receives the accolades.? No better example exists than the Super Bowl.? This year the attention went to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley for the Eagles.? Both are talented and have the demonstrated ability to continually put points on the scoreboard, but it is critical to remember that without the assistance of the offensive line it is unlikely that either of them would have?scored a point.? By the way, can you tell me the name of the Eagle who takes the long snap, and in an instant sets-up the ball to enable the kick that results in Jake Elliot’s field goals and extra points?? Again, we rarely hear the name.? Philly’s holder is Branden Mann.

What is my point here?? Too often all the recognition goes to those who are in the limelight.? We fail to acknowledge those in the background, who create the conditions for victory, achievement and/or accomplishment; what I like to call the behind-the-scenes servants.? They are the unseen helpers, co-workers and others who literally set the stage for victory, be it an athletic contest, successful project, or even a corporate success.

In a recent post, Andy Wall, the pastor at Conejo Valley Church of Christ, asks us to consider how many examples of the "assist” can you think of in your family, workplace, or community?? How often do we stop to genuinely appreciate those whose work supports ours and improves our ability to perform with excellence?? How often do we recognize their efforts and nod in appreciation to those who “assist” us? Think about it, who are the hidden helpers in your life who would appreciate a word of appreciation from you? Please tell them this week!

We each have much to accomplish, but it is always easier when someone helps clear the path.? Moving forward, all of us need to continue honing our assisting skills, be it? at work, home, church or in our community. And equally important, may we all? genuinely show our appreciation to all whose “assists” enable our own successes.

Embrace the Challenge.