From Competitors to Companions

When you spend time at the table with someone, relationships change.

In From Tablet to Table, author Len Sweet recounts the rivalry between basketball greats Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. From opponents in high school to their NBA days playing for rivals L.A. Lakers and Boston Celtics, they were not only competitors, but truly disliked each other.

Until one day, a table changed that.

Converse hired the two as co-stars in a shoe commercial. The shoot was scheduled for Bird's family farm in Indiana. It was awkward until they broke for lunch, and everyone was invited to the table. Larry Bird later said, "It was at the table that I discovered Earvin Johnson. I never like Magic Johnson very much. But Earvin I like, a lot. And Earvin didn't come out until I met him at Mom's table."

Len Sweet concluded: "That's the power of the table. We lower our guard as we break bread together; we become ourselves, and we become open to one another.  We cease being rivals, enemies; and we begin to experience companionship, friendship."

The "table" can also be a flagpole. As See You at the Pole 2017 draws near (September 27), a million students will discover just how much they have in common with other Christ followers as they intercede for their shared burden: reaching their peers and community as believers.

At SYATP, "Magic" becomes "Earvin." "Baptists" and "Pentecostals" find out they are really playing for the same team. Relationships eat Boundaries for breakfast.

Come September, it's time for a season of cooperation. As a youth leader, connect with others in your community and come behind student leaders. Encourage them to reach out in a prayerful display of unity. Then, do it some more.

The basics: See You at the Pole is Wednesday, Sept. 27. Usually, right before school, at school flagpoles or other gathering points all over the world. SYATP is in the middle of the Global Day of Student Prayer, Sept. 23-30. Learn more at SYATP.com, where free resources are available. The theme for 2017 is "Fix Our Eyes," based on Hebrews 12:2.

Gather your network at a table somewhere and see what God would have you do.

*Check out more of Len Sweet, From Tablet to Table, pp. 140-141.

Doug Clark is the National Field Director for NNYM and is passionate about working together and See You At The Pole. Follow Doug on Twitter @dclarknnym