“Protect and defend…”
Shared by Breanne Smedley
“Protect and defend…”
I was chatting recently with a small group of women in a normal, casual conversation.
Like sometimes happens, we started chatting about our daily responsibilities. Work, kids, trying to keep up with everything.
A common thread of “there’s so much to do, so little time to do it!” permeated.
Then, a small comment that made a little red flag pop up in my head.
“It would be easier if my husband would help every once in a while.”
Others chimed in.
All added in their annoyances about their husbands with a bit of sarcasm, but without hesitation.
From not knowing how to do laundry properly to being on the phone too much.
Then, it was my turn to pipe up.
Sure, I could think of plenty of things Brett does that annoy me. It would be easy to pick a couple and be done.
Plus, I didn’t want to be that person.
“Sorry, ladies I can’t relate. My husband is perfect. He never leaves his socks strewn around the house and always cleans the toilets!”
I couldn’t bring myself to say much though, besides nod along in agreement.
Because I’m convinced that Brett’s list of annoyances about me would be longer.
I’m also convinced that I would never walk into a conversation where Brett is talking about them with a group of guys he barely knew.
It made me think of one of the principles my volleyball team operates by.
Be the first to protect and defend and the last to criticize.
By being loyal to yourself, coach, and teammates.
By admitting mistakes.
By standing up and protecting teammates from outside attack.
Attack in the form of criticism and negative comments made by those around us.
When it comes down to it, Brett is my teammate.
My teammate on the most important team I’ve ever been a part of.
This team, out of all the ones I’ve been on, needs to be the strongest.
Where the “wins and losses” go beyond a scoreboard.
Protect and defend.
It’s what good teammates do.
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#IntegrallyRelational
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