I have the greatest job in the world.

I am part of a team that has the sacred privilege of shining a light on all the good that exists in sports.

Recently, I had the honor of presenting the 4^th annual Neumann University Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. The opportunity Snider Hockey provides at-risk youth is but one example of the tremendous amount of good and beauty happening in and through sports.

Real-life examples such as Snider Hockey need to be celebrated. They need to be shouted from the roof tops. They need to get more than a cursory mention at the end of an article. Because today, more than ever, we are constantly bombarded with all that is wrong in sports. Unfortunately, there is plenty to talk about. From gifted athletes and storied athletic programs who take for granted their “elite” status and behave violently and recklessly, to parents and fans ruining the experience for others who just want to watch their loved one play, there are certainly real and heartbreaking stories saturating today’s sport culture.

The dark side of sports, thankfully, are not the only stories in today’s world of sports. Some stories reach the world on a grand scale and pull at heart strings like Lauren Hill and Devon Still. Some stories may only reach a small corner of our world yet are inspiring and important to our communities such as Snider Hockey. And some life-changing stories may never reach beyond the playing field or locker room in which they occur. But, rest assured, they do exist. They are meaningful, they are inspiring, and they are beautiful.

As a college team chaplain I have witnessed such stories because I have the privilege of walking with young people on a part of their life’s journey. That journey certainly has gifted me with impactful, life-changing moments. I have wiped tears and shed some myself, I have issued some “wake-up calls” as well as received a lesson or two, but the most beautiful moments have not been the championships (although they are pretty cool). The most beautiful and meaningful moments have been witnessing college student-athletes experience the awakening to something bigger than themselves. That is what sports have the power to do. For that, I am truly grateful. For that, I am committed to shine the light on all great sport stories, big and small.

One need not be a team chaplain to witness the good in sport. Sport has the power to transform and inspire. It comes down to perspective, environment and influence. The right environment needs to be created and nurtured so new vantage points can emerge. The people with the power to influence young athletes need to be equipped and inspired. And those with the power to shine a light, do so willingly, respectfully, and frequently. Imagine what would happen if everyone who witnessed a teachable moment in sports took a minute and passed it on.

I am not naïve enough to think that all that is wrong in sports will be eliminated by sharing a feel-good sport story. Ego and money are much too powerful. I am optimistic and faith-filled enough to believe the seeds we plant today, if nurtured correctly, can blossom into a powerful force in our world which can be beautifully displayed through sports.