The Journey of Waiting
Matt Coleman
Empowering coaches, student-athletes and parents to live with generosity, act with integrity, live victoriously and pursue excellence
Someone asked me recently what was a chink in my armor. Let me start off by saying I have more than I can count, but one that I have been working on recently is patience. In today's fast-paced world, where everything seems to be just a click away, patience has become a rare virtue. We have become accustomed to instant gratification, expecting results and rewards to materialize before our eyes at the click of a button. I was reminded of a verse this week in Hebrews 6:15 that says, “Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God has promised.”?
The story of Abraham is remarkable to me. Abraham had received a promise from God, but the fulfillment of that promise did not come immediately. Instead, he had to wait patiently for its realization. Despite the uncertainty and challenges he faced, Abraham held onto his faith, knowing that in time, he would receive what had been promised to him. He kept leading in the waiting.
In our roles as leaders, we often find ourselves in situations where we must exercise patience. We may be waiting for the growth and development of those we lead, whether they are student-athletes, coaches, or even dealing with the frustration of the lack of growth in ourselves! We want to see them progress quickly, respond effectively, and reach their full potential. What we fail to remember is that growth takes time, and we must resist the temptation to rush the process. We must keep leading in the waiting.
What I have been learning over the years is that leadership is not just about achieving immediate results; it involves embracing the journey and understanding that progress, many times, is gradual. It is in the waiting when we have the opportunity to grow our own skills, deepen our understanding, and develop patience within ourselves.
Patience allows us to foster an environment of trust, respect, and empathy. When we patiently invest in the growth of those around us, we demonstrate our commitment to their success and well-being. By waiting for guidance and feedback, we show our willingness to collaborate and receive input from others.
Patience enables us to maintain a steady focus on our long-term goals, despite setbacks or delays. Patience strengthens our resilience as leaders, enabling us to weather the storms that will come our way.
The story of Abraham reminds us that patience is not a passive act but an active demonstration of faith and perseverance. As leaders, we must lead forward in the waiting, trusting that our efforts and investments will yield fruit in due time. Keep leading in the waiting.