I value opportunities to sit with leaders from different sectors and reflect on the journeys that brought us to where we are today. Recently, I was in a conversation where the NBA All Star Game came up. Someone mentioned he used to play and then asked if I played as well. I told him I did and that I loved the game. Another friend who knows me smiled and said, “Corn didn’t just play. He can play.” I nodded, laughed, and we moved on.

Those who know me understand that I am not one to talk much about personal accomplishments. What I loved most was being part of the team. Preparing together. Challenging one another. Learning from coaching. Executing when it mattered. After some games, I would sit quietly and take in the joy on the faces of teammates, coaches, and even fans. In those moments, my heart was full. That was a good game.

Over time, I realized that this discipline of slowing down to recognize what is good is something we learn from God.

In Genesis 1:27-31, after creating humanity and entrusting them with stewardship, the Scripture tells us that God looked over all He had made and declared that it was very good. God paused to see. God reflected. God delighted in what had been formed.

That is the posture I find myself in today.

These days, I am not sitting outside a gymnasium. I am sitting at my desk reflecting on what God is doing through the Youth Mentoring Collaborative’s Virtuous Family Academy and the newly formed Rooted2Rise Collective.

Thirteen families recently completed the five-week Virtuous Family Academy, gaining values based leadership practices and concrete action plans to guide their homes long after their child’s participation in mentoring programs.

The Rooted2Rise Collective continues developing faithful leaders who reflect Christ in every sphere of life. Ten participants have been selected for the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative. Two Called to Govern cohorts are now being facilitated in partnership with the iSSACHAR Center for Urban Leadership. At the same time, we are walking alongside five leaders who are actively building faith driven enterprises.

We made a promise to cultivate deeply rooted, virtuous leaders who rise to transform communities and help build a just society. That promise is being lived out through people, sustained through presence, and guided by purpose.

Like those moments after a meaningful game, I pause and give thanks. The team prepared. They challenged one another. They received coaching. And together they executed with faithfulness.

My heart is full.