If You Can Wait Patiently and Not Get Tired of Waiting

Hello everyone,

We hope you're all doing well and holding fast to what truly matters in life! Kelly, Judah, and I are doing great—track season is in full swing as we head into indoor conference, JJ is on the verge of walking, we’re learning daily from our athletes, and I’m finally back to somewhat of full running. Working with people, I see plenty of highs and lows, and life is full of both. But I’m constantly reminded of the wisdom in God’s Word and the lessons passed down by those who have walked this road before us. Athletics brings heartbreak, breakthroughs that take years, and even moments of betrayal—what many call the “miles of trials.” In this newsletter, we’re diving into one of my favorite poems, a piece that speaks to endurance, character, and what it truly means to persevere.

The Humble Heart: Lessons from "If" by Rudyard Kipling

In his timeless poem If, written in 1895, Rudyard Kipling paints a portrait of the qualities that define true character, resilience and personal growth. This poem has been one of my favorites for awhile now, it even hangs in my office right next to my Steve Prefontaine framed poster - To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. Let’s reflect on three key lessons Kipling shares—each a reminder of the strength and focus required to live with purpose. 

If by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you,

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too.

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise.

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master,

If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster,

And treat those two impostors just the same.

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken,

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools.

If you can make one heap of all your winnings,

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings,

And never breathe a word about your loss.

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew,

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you,

Except the will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much.

If you can fill the unforgiving minute,

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,   

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,   

And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Every time I read this, I feel inspired. Inspired to be a better leader, to have more discipline, and to ultimately be a better man. Kipling's words cut through the modern-day noise and speak to the soul of being a man. I feel like there needs to be a book to unpack the wisdom in his words, but for the sake of time, I’ll just share my favorite themes.

"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs..."
Kipling’s words emphasize the importance of remaining calm under pressure. In a world where chaos and uncertainty often surround us, the ability to keep a level head and think clearly is a mark of inner strength. A humble heart stays grounded, not swayed by panic or pride, and instead becomes a steadying force for others. True leadership is found in this balance, where composure leads to clarity.

"If you can dream—and not make dreams your master..."
Dreams fuel ambition, but Kipling warns us of the danger in becoming enslaved to them. A humble person understands the value of dreaming while staying rooted in reality. They chase aspirations with determination, yet remain adaptable when life demands it. Humility reminds us to take action and embrace the journey, rather than becoming consumed by the desire for a specific outcome.

"If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run..."
This line speaks to the value of endurance and making the most of every moment. Life offers no refunds for time wasted, and Kipling urges us to seize each "unforgiving minute" with purpose and effort. The humble heart accepts this challenge, giving its all without expectation of immediate reward. By focusing on the work, not the recognition, we grow stronger and more resilient.

In If, Kipling gives us a blueprint for living with integrity. His words remind us that life’s challenges are opportunities for growth, and that humility is a companion that keeps us focused on what truly matters. By keeping a steady mind, pursuing dreams with balance, and enduring life’s trials with determination, we can build a legacy of quiet strength and unwavering resolve. These lessons are not just poetic ideals—they’re tools for a life well-lived.

A Reflection on Faith
Kipling’s message resonates deeply with the life of a Christian, who is called to walk humbly with God and remain steadfast in faith. "Keeping your head" mirrors the call to trust in God’s plan, even when the world feels chaotic. "Dreaming without making dreams your master" reflects the balance of pursuing God-given desires while surrendering ultimate control to His will. Finally, "filling the unforgiving minute" is a reminder of the biblical charge to run the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1), making the most of every moment in service to God and others.

It encourages maintaining composure under pressure, staying humble in success and strong in failure, and pursuing dreams without letting them control you. The poem emphasizes patience, perseverance, and treating both triumph and disaster as fleeting moments. It also speaks to making the most of every opportunity, staying true to one’s values, and leading with humility and strength. Ultimately, If presents a blueprint for developing character and maturity, urging the reader to rise above challenges and live with purpose.

We hope you have a great weekend!

Brett, Kelly, and Judah