What if the most profound thing you accomplish in your life is to help someone else be great? At first gloss this can seem noble and inspiring and certainly, it is!. But think about the reality of it for a moment once the shine wears off a bit? Your greatest contribution will be to work hard at something you love and have ambitions around, go unnoticed and perhaps unremembered to help the other person go far in the very same thing you enjoy. That was essentially the deal offered to Swen Nater when he was recruited to play basketball for coaching legend Jon Wooden at UCLA in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. The pitch to get him to leave Cyprus College was to come be the backup to the greatest center in the game, Bill Walton, and help make him better in practice each day. Swen took the deal that would possibly lead to obscurity and his story just might help you live out your story in a more meaningful way?
You may or may not be a sports fan but you do not have to have any appreciation for basketball to consider the challenge of being brought onto a team to contribute in the background while the person you backup gets national attention and praise. But this is what Swen did, and it not only helped Bill Walton and the Bruins, but helped Swen achieve two national championship rings for himself. Of course, he never got to start a single college game in his career at UCLA and he had very little meaningful playing time. But, he played his part in backing up the greatest basketball center in the game at the time and contributed in a meaningful way for his team by basically being unremarkable in the public eye as he competed against Walton in practice day after day. However, that was the deal offered him in the first place and, to his credit, that was what he did. (Read my post Are You Thankful For the Struggle?)
From Good to Great
Swen’s selflessness was rewarded. It turns out, working with the greatest center in the college game everyday will also make you a better player and professional teams took note of that detail. Swen went on to become the first college player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA draft without having ever started a single collegiate game. Not only did Swen get drafted in both the ABA and NBA but he became an Allstar and had a very productive professional career. The road was long, and the reward didn’t always seem imminent, but while the majority of the sporting world were focused on Bill Walton’s greatness, there were those in high places taking notice of the one who was doing the dirty work behind the scenes. And this is where you and I come in as we consider Swen’s amazing story because, in many ways, this call to potential obscurity is the deal we have been offered, as well.
For those of us who call ourselves Christians we have been invited to live our lives in the service of those around us and for the sake of exalting the Name of Jesus. We are not called to be great but to make Him great in the eyes of the world around us. We are allowed to have our own dreams and ambitions as long as they are submitted to the greater need of “the team” and don’t compete with The One we have been called to elevate. It can sound softer and sweeter when we wrap it in spiritual language but the challenge is just as real as what Swen navigated. At times it will be a call to obscurity and ambiguity. Other times it will come at the expense of what we would prefer or rather have for ourselves. However, like in Swen’s story, what can look unremarkable in the eyes of some is held in high regard at the next level and there is a reward in store if we just stay the course. Easier said than done for sure but made much easier when we remember the story is not over at the end of the season and that the next level pays out a great reward. (Read my post Life is a Package Deal)
Be the Assist Leader
I have typically found myself in the backup role most of my adult life. I’m seldom ever “the guy” but the guy who helps “the guy”. In many ways it is such a great spot. You do get better by coming alongside and serving “the guy” each day. You also get to experience the benefit of the team victories. But you also can wonder if you’re squandering your talent or not making as big of an impact as you could if you were able to shine a bit more. Maybe you have been in that place or find yourself in that spot now? It is helpful to remember there is no temptation that is not common to all people and that those thoughts and struggles are typical. Know that what you are doing is valuable, is serving the team, is contributing to the ultimate goal, and is being noted by our Father above. Don’t forget that there is a great reward ahead and what is done at this level is noted in the next. (Read my post Am I A Failure For Being Faithful?)
From the Bible
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Colossians 3:2-3 ESV
Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. – Luke 12:2 ESV