Moving overseas is always an adventure!

Our kids adjusted to pit latrines quicker than we did. So when our “new home” featured an indoor bathroom, my husband and I were thrilled. Until it didn’t work…

The plumbers arrived late and left early. They ordered and returned parts and disagreed about how to fix it. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into a month.

Our family grew frustrated and put our heads together for a solution.

My husband drilled holes into a five-gallon bucket for bucket showers, and I hauled water from the well. We boiled water and added cold water for the right temperature. Our kids soaped and rinsed before the water ran out of the bucket.

Our common purpose unified us and taught us how to take quick bucket showers.

When has a common goal at home or work unified you?

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Unity requires common purpose, good communication, and team participation.

Everyone understands the goal and is willing to do their own part. Each person uses their own skill set and allows others to use theirs.

If mistakes are made or things are done differently than preferred, grace is given. The person humbly apologizes, and the team moves forward rather than holding a grudge.

Sometimes there are “plumbers” on the team who don’t pull their weight and require confrontation and accountability. The team speaks firm, kind words rather than hurtful, critical words. If the “plumber” still doesn’t respond, the team follows the Matthew 18 principles.

The team trusts and depends on each other so each member must carry his own load without procrastinating. Teamwork takes time and discipline, but it produces productivity and peace.

The plumbers eventually fixed our bathroom. But I wonder how much time and money they wasted not working together as a team? Our family learned a valuable lesson - confrontation is sometimes necessary and unity is always better.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller