Jeff Capel is in his second season as the head basketball coach at the University of Pittsburgh. Anytime a new coach takes over a program, there is the balancing act between instant results, progress, and patience.
The Athletic.com has an article written by Dana O’Neil with the headline, “Brick by Brick, Jeff Capel is Rebuilding Pitt’s Once-Proud Tradition.”
She writes about the parallel between the renovation process Jeff and his wife are experiencing with the house they bought in Pittsburgh and the basketball program he’s working to turn around.
In regard to the house project, Capel says, “My wife keeps telling me I have to have patience. It’s going to be beautiful when it’s done.’’
On the basketball court, Pittsburgh has won more games than last year, but they still have a ways to go in their pursuit of making it to the top of the ACC standings.
The key for Capel, his players, the fans, and the administration is to recognize the growth and the progress they’re making in year number two. However, being patient and appreciating how far you’ve come when you know you have further to go, isn't easy.
Capel says, “Everyone tells me the same thing — how they can see it. But when you’re so bogged down, when you’re always worried about the next thing, or how do I run this play, defend this team or get this kid to say yes, you forget because it’s not right there in front of you. I have to constantly remind myself to look at the progress, so I can see what’s coming.’’
Whether it’s building a house, a basketball program, a business, a ministry, a family, or a marriage, we can relate to the desire to reach our goals and finish the process.
But, we all know that building something takes time and focusing on the progress we’re making is what gives us the encouragement and hope to keep going.
Maintaining the proper amount of patience with vision, as well as, an appreciation for the progress, are crucial. We may not be exactly at the point we believe we can get to, but if we add “one more brick” today, then we’re definitely making progress.
These same principles and mindsets are also true when it comes to our faith journey and spiritual growth. As followers of Jesus, we desire to be more mature believers with a deeper knowledge of the Bible and a more developed character, but it takes time.
That’s why we have to remember how far we’ve come and appreciate the progress and the many ways God has changed us. Of course, we still have a ways to go, but instead of being frustrated that we’re not who we want to be yet, we must remain patient as we keep adding “brick by brick.”
We can be encouraged by what the Bible says in these verses:
"I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus " (Philippians 1:6; AMP).
"But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18; AMP).
"For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised" (Hebrews 10:36; NRSV).
Today, let's continue to build our lives "brick by brick" with Jesus as the foundation. When we do, we can confidently know that every step we take with Him will be progress toward becoming more and more like Him.
I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I wouldn't get discouraged or impatient when growth and development take longer than I'd like. Teach me to praise You for the progress and the change...and help me to keep the proper vision by remaining in step with You. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What areas of your life are you in building mode and how is your patience?
When you look at the progress you've already made, how does that affect your perspective?
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