different strengths

I read the book, "The Boys in the Boat" years ago about the 1936 Olympic rowing team and was always so moved by how in rowing, your differences become your strengths. "Rowers must rein in their fierce independence and at the same time hold true to their individual capabilities. Races are not won by clones. Good crews are good blends—someone to lead the charge, someone to hold something in reserve, someone to fight the fight, someone to make peace. No rower is more valuable than another, all are assets to the boat, but if they are to row well together, each must adjust to the needs and capabilities of the others—the shorter-armed person reaching a little farther, the longer-armed person pulling in just a bit. Differences can be turned to advantage instead of disadvantage. Only then will it feel as if the boat is moving on its own. Only then does pain entirely give way to exultation. Good “swing” feels like poetry."

Our differences when working together in harmony become strengths, they make poetry. Isn't that a beautiful thought?

["Different Strengths" 8x8, original available at stephaniehock.com/originals]