One of Life's Many Lessons

Related Scripture

“Be slow to speak and quick to listen.” (James 1:19)

Most folks associate a great communicator as a person who can speak clearly and get his or her point across with clarity and definitiveness. I would tend to go along with this summation but only to a small degree. My belief is in order to be a great communicator, one must primarily be an attentive listener.

I have held a bunch of titles during the journey through my adult life. Most have been in leadership positions dealing with peers, parents, members of the community and student athletes. In my latest adventure I have added a new group to my list: Officials. While I was associated with officials in my capacity as a coach and later an athletic director, I never really worked arm and arm with this clientele.

I can say with total confidence that my perception of people who choose to officiate has totally reversed itself. I now see them as no different than the coaches and athletes they monitor on the fields and courts. They are dedicated to getting better and reaching a championship level. Wow!

I have made multitudes of mistakes in my lifetime, and I am confident I will continue to be a definition of imperfection. However, one of the wisest practices I have learned is that listening is the key to high quality communication. This act teaches Patience which is a Fruit of the Spirit. Listening is especially important when one is a “work in progress” as I find myself in my current role. And are we not all “works in progress” in God’s eyes?

Thanks for the opportunity to share. “Be slow to speak and quick to listen.” One of Life’s Many Lessons.”

Question to ponder: Why is listening a critical component to being a successful official? Why is listening such a critical component in relationships?

Jay Russell - Associate Director - Georgia High School Association (GHSA)