Every Player Has A Position

19 hours ago
3 min read

By Paula C Lamb

Hello friends. If you've been walking with me since January, thank you. Together we've explored letting go, peace, unseen growth and discipline, courageous self-reflection, and the beautiful reality that we are all still becoming. If you're just joining me, I invite you to read my earlier reflections as each article although stand alone, together they tell one story.

Across the world, millions were captivated by the FIFA World Cup. We cheered the spectacular goals, breathtaking saves, and historical moments. Standing in BC Place, Vancouver, I was watching New Zealand play Belgium, the roar of the fans echoed as the ball moved across the field. I was reminded that football is never about one player, every player has a position.

The goalkeeper cannot win the game alone. Without the defender, the midfielder, or the player making the pass, there is no goal. Some score. Some defend. Others create opportunities. Each player matters, and no one lifts the trophy alone.

As we celebrated the goals and victories, I was reminded that what we're celebrating isn't built in ninety minutes of play. It's built through years of discipline, setbacks, teamwork and hope.

I can't help but feel life isn't any different.

One story from this year's tournament has stayed with me.

After years of dedication, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan earned selection to officiate at football's greatest stage, a dream shared by referees around the world. He said, "When you are selected, you feel that all your hard work was worth it. It’s a moment where everything comes into focus. Years of effort finally make sense."

Then circumstances beyond his control meant he couldn't take part. His dream was delayed.

How many of us know that feeling?

We prepare. We work. We remain faithful. We do everything we know to do.

And then life says...

Not yet.

Notice…

Not "No."

Not...Never.

Simply...Not yet.

Omar's response struck me. Instead of allowing disappointment to define him. He returned home hopeful, determined to officiate the next World Cup and with a message, “Continue pursuing your goals.”

There it was. No bitterness. No blame. No victimhood. Just, my dream has been delayed, not abandoned, I will keep going!

Standing in that stadium, looking across thousands of football fans, I realised there was a lesson in this moment because it's easy to compare our position with someone else's, to watch someone’s career, business, family, social media, or success, and wonder whether we're making progress at all. Whether we are winning at this game called life.

Sometimes the timing isn't ours. Sometimes preparation continues longer than we expected. Sometimes life redirects us.

The answer isn't always "No."

Sometimes it's simply...Keep preparing.

Perhaps something in your own life hasn't unfolded as you'd hoped, a career, relationship, opportunity or dream. Maybe you thought this would be your season. Maybe the opportunity has slipped away. Perhaps the door seems closed.

The question isn't, "Will I get another chance? "

The question is, "Who am I becoming while I wait? "

Whilst every player has a position. Every position also has a season.

Sometimes we are called onto the field. Sometimes we are asked to wait. Neither season defines our worth, and I'm learning that becoming isn't measured by how quickly life unfolds, but by who we become while we wait.

So, as I close this next reflection, I invite you to.

Pause.

Take out a piece of paper and write down one dream you've been carrying this year.

Perhaps it's been delayed. Perhaps you've almost convinced yourself to let it go.