We can “find our all” by knowing who is “All”.
All – adjective, 1) being or representing the entire or total number, amount, or quantity 2) being the utmost possible of 3) completely taken up with, given to, or absorbed by.
I love movie quotes. If you have spent any time with me, you have most likely heard me apply one to a situation or conversation. And, if it’s a good one, I will repeat it multiple times, and there’s no movie I’ve stolen more quotes from than Moneyball.
In the 2011 movie Moneyball, general manager Billie Bean must rebuild the Oakland Athletics baseball team after losing three star players to big market teams that his small market club cannot compete with financially. Bean decides to replace the star players using an unproven and untested method of evaluating talent that relies on historical data and statistics developed by a young Yale economics graduate named Peter Brand. It does not take long for the team’s manager, scouting staff, and Oakland fan base to voice their collective confusion and displeasure at the new direction. Bean realizes that he is basically alone and to move forward could not only cost him his present job, but any future employment in major league baseball.
After a confrontation with his head scout, Bean has a moment of clarity and proclaims to Brand:
“Just you and me Pete, we’re all in.”
Most have heard the term “all in” and recognize the characteristics. The employee who is “on” at work; the athlete that pushes boundaries to be faster and stronger; the servant who invests time, energy and resources to help the elderly and those in need; the artist who sees nothing but the finished work during the process; the musician who while performing just seems to be somewhere else; husbands and wives celebrating multiple anniversaries; mothers and fathers raising children; and those who pursue something they believe in at the risk of losing everything, sometimes alone.
No dipping the toe, no testing the waters, no safety net.
If there were ever a time that we need to “find our all,” that time is now, especially when it comes to relationships. It can be intimidating, phrases like this are statements and declarations carrying the weight of commitment, accountability, and promise that I must live up to every day. But we can “find our all,” by knowing who is All.
No half measures.
No looking back.
Just you and me, we’re all in.
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8.32
Great encouragement, Tim! The unfortunate reality of “All In” these days translates to “as long as we agree on all things I am all in”. The minute there are some differences in opinion, we think that is grounds for separation rather then understanding. I would argue that the disagreements are the things that make the relationship stronger. Iron sharpens iron only when there is friction, it’s the friction that keeps us sharp.
Great article, Tim! And this is a great point, Rick. Taking the conversation a step farther, I would add that “controlled” friction makes us sharper. When sharpening a blade, if the angle is too high, the blade can dull rather than reach the intended goal of sharpening. As we engage in healthy conflict and discussion on touchy matters, it’s critical that we enter from an “angle” of self-control, intention, and most of all, love. So often, this is the missing component, as tempers flare and words are spewed without a consideration of the wounding repercussions. I’ve witnessed hard conversations that began with hot, firey tempers diffuse to a calm and civilized exchange with a simple posture, or “angle”, change. These conversations often resolve to a deeper understanding and mutual respect for the parties involved. As someone who tends to avoid conflict like it’s my job, I’m working on stretching myself to engage in more of these healthy debates and conversations; both to make my feelings and thoughts heard, but mostly to grow and expand my thoughts to a deeper level of understanding of others. It’s not easy at all, but I’m learning conflict is necessary for my own personal development!
Beautifully said. Sometimes my “all” never feels like it’s good enough. I constantly push through and am left feeling beat up and discouraged. It’s a like like a hamster wheel. But I so love the definition of the word “all”. It’s a reminder that my “all” isn’t enough because my He needs to be my “All”. That reminder is a beautiful relief. ❤️
Great word Tim. I have to admit that ever since our our small group study “All In”, I can’t hear that phrase without thinking of you. I love the way you are all in with whatever you do. You and Cindi are a blessing to all who know you.