We have to give credit where credit is due, Rory turned in an amazing performance this weekend. Personally I was confined to my home this weekend due to illness and invested several hours into the US Open. I did find myself longing for drama and typically US Open course difficulty. Being Irish, I found a soft spot for the 22 year old kid who played lights outs and handled himself extremely well with the media.
I was especially encouraged by his Sunday night ESPN conversation, so much so I will write series of five posts based on that interview. The first teachable point was Rory's quote about his Sunday collapse at the Masters ; "It was a character building day." Many times in athletics and life we focus on outcomes and finishes and not the process. Clearly the young Irishman was in a position of personal maturity to allow failing on one of greatest stages of golf, Augusta, to be a part of the growing process.
Rory was focused on "Who" he was becoming when he suffered a great defeat. Focusing on "What" we achieve does not grow our character, it often becomes our identity but we cannot let it define us. The triumphs and adversity of sport must be a means of leadership development, refining and character redemption not just a trophy or a title. God is more concerned about our character not our accomplishments.
As a result of Rory maturing through his trial well, it produced perseverance many of us witnessed on Sunday. "James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Setbacks and loses are opportunities for us to grow. It takes courage, character and discipline to search our hearts during refining moments. Will we allow God and others to speak into us and transform us into persevering leaders when outcomes are not in our favor? If we are blessed to succeed, celebrate with humility but remain committed to the "Who" we are becoming. "Ability can take you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." As we accomplish dreams and goals, stay committed to the process and eternal benefits of character growth afforded through sport.
Make it a great day!
Coach C
Special thanks to my friend Kevin Touhey for his influence on Part 1
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