When Gratitude Won’t Let You Sleep
Yesterday was a very emotional day for me. Not in a sad way, but in an unexpected way. It was a day filled with reflection, awareness, and gratitude. The kind that sneaks up on you when you’re not looking for it.
Our morning started at our former church for the homegoing celebration of Brenda Peterson. She was one of those people who quietly shaped my ministry years. The kind who never needed a spotlight, but always knew how to shine encouragement on others. Whether she was quoting lyrics from a song I wrote or pulling me aside after a sermon with her signature affirming words, "Hey Pastor, C'mon and blast us", as she always found a way to let me know I was seen and appreciated. That matters more than people realize.
We hugged people we hadn’t seen in years. Shared laughs and pleasantries. I caught a few side-eyes too, but for the most part, it was love. And honestly, I was just grateful to see familiar faces from a chapter of life that helped shape who I am today.
From there, we went straight into another part of my world: coaching my son and his team to another victory. That will always be a personal highlight for me. Not just because of the wins, but because of the moments. The lessons, growth, and the bond. I love it! Watching him compete, think, and react reminds me how fast time is moving.
Then we headed south to Chicago State University to support my little cousin as his team rallied to beat one of the South Side’s treasures. Now, if you know me, you know I rarely root for anyone outside my zip code… and especially not New York. But yesterday, I made a very happy exception. Watching “Cheese” do his thing alongside my wife and son was special.
I found myself wearing a lot of hats at once. Coach. Teacher. Cousin. Dad. I was sharing game philosophy and teaching moments with my son, sneaking proud glances at my cousin/brother Andre as he watched his son play, and smiling as my wife expressed her very real frustration with media timeouts. I felt all of it. I was extremely aware of the moment I was in.
By 4:30 pm, I had lived a lot of life. On the ride home, I looked over and saw my copilot in her natural resting position, sleep. I checked the rearview and saw my son with his headphones on, locked into his phone game. And all I could do was sit back and think, life is good. No matter what else is happening. No matter what pressures exist. For that brief moment, I was at peace. I felt grateful. Fully present.
Life has a funny way of reminding you how short it really is. Time doesn’t slow down. It doesn’t wait for us to catch up. It just keeps moving. My mind drifted to the reality that the same kid who was just asking me about defensive schemes and offensive decisions will be graduating from grammar school in a few months and stepping into high school. That feels unreal.
Where does the time go? We never really know when our number will be called. And if I’m honest, most days I probably take time for granted without even realizing it. But yesterday was different. Yesterday, I smelled the roses. I sat in the anxiety and beauty of celebrating both life and death. I held gratitude and awareness in the same space.
It’s 2:00 am and I can’t sleep, not because of anxiety, but because of thankfulness.
If these few words do anything, I hope it reminds you to pause. To look around. To hug your people and notice the ordinary moments that are actually extraordinary. To be present while you still can.
Life is short. But it’s also beautiful. And yesterday, I felt both.
