Grecia’s Dance Move

Learning to think win-win

Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him.  Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”  And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”  But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

          Last week Grecia Gonzalez taught me the dance move for one of the seven leadership habits.  Can anyone tell me which habit that dance move refers to?  It’s the fourth habit, called “think win-win.”  Who can describe to me what that habit means?  In any situation where there are two sides – like two friends, or a teacher and student, or a husband and wife, or priests and parishioners – try to make sure both sides win, not just one.  This habit makes sure both parties feel they “win” something, not just one person.  The opposite of this habit would be the mentality that thinks, “my way or the highway!”  “I don’t care if you win or not.”  This habit is an essential ingredient for any recipe for a long-term relationship.  If you want life-long friends or a life-long marriage, it helps to “think win-win.”

          In the gospel today we also have two sides – Jesus and two blind men.  Whenever you have two sides, try to “think win-win.”  Now, how did the two blind men “win” in that relationship?  They “won” by being healed by Jesus.  And how did Jesus want to “win” in that relationship?  He asked them to keep their healing a secret.  But what did they do instead?  They did not “think win-win”; instead they thought, “it’s my way or the highway!” and so they hit the highway and told everyone what Jesus did for them.  They did not learn Grecia’s dance move of how to “think win-win.”  How do you think that made Jesus feel?  Do you think Jesus felt like he “won” in that relationship, too?  Probably not.  Those two men probably did not become Jesus’ disciples.  If you want a relationship to last a long time, “think win-win.”

          Boys and girls, let me tell you the secret to mastering the “think win-win” habit.  In any relationship ask yourself, “what can I give to the other person?”  That’s what the two blind men failed to ask themselves.  They should have asked, “What can I give to Jesus so He wins, too?”  Our most important relationship is with God, and if we want that friendship to be long-lasting, we have to “think win-win.”  We have to learn Grecia’s dance move.  What are some ways God can “win” in our relationship with Him?  We can pray every day.  We can go to Mass on Sunday.  We can read the Bible.  We can pray the Rosary.  You see, the fourth habit to “think win-win” helps you have relationships that are life-long, and one relationship that can even last forever.

          Praised be Jesus Christ!