I've been thinking lately about how much of my life can be traced back to one simple word: yes.
Our family has a philosophy that we try to live by—we try everything once. We say yes more often than we say no. It doesn't mean every opportunity is the right one, or that every experience turns out the way we'd hoped. But looking back, so many of the greatest blessings in my life began with a simple decision to say yes.
If I hadn't said yes when a beautiful girl from my high school asked me out, my life would look completely different. I wouldn't have married my best friend. I wouldn't have the life we've built together. She has been my rock, my role model, my sounding board, and often the voice of reason when I need it most. Together we’re raising an amazing son, and somewhere along the way she also became my most trusted production assistant and key grip. I'm grateful that one "yes" led to a lifetime of adventures with her.
If I hadn't said yes when a college buddy invited me to join the campus radio station, I might never have discovered my passion for media. That one opportunity led me to study broadcasting, work in television, produce corporate videos, create original programming, make a documentary, and eventually build two production companies from the ground up. Along the way, I even got to meet David Letterman. Well... "meet" might be a strong word. We exchanged a quick hello in passing, but I'm counting it.
When our minister asked if I would serve as Creative Director for our church, saying yes opened a door I never knew existed. It helped me discover that storytelling could be a ministry. I had the privilege of helping our congregation stay connected through virtual worship during the pandemic, supporting the wider Indiana-Kentucky Conference, and serving at General Synod for the United Church of Christ. One of the most memorable moments was witnessing history as the denomination elected its first female General Minister and President, with my own female Senior Pastor sitting beside me. None of that was part of the plan. It all started with one invitation.
A few years later, another unexpected opportunity arrived when I was asked to teach three college courses. I'll admit, I wasn't sure I was the right person for the job. But I said yes anyway. That decision introduced me to incredible colleagues at WVUT who have challenged and encouraged me, and to students who have taught me just as much about teaching as I've taught them about video production. I discovered that I don't just enjoy creating media—I love helping others learn how to create it too.
Now, I don't want to pretend that saying yes always leads to wonderful outcomes. It doesn't.
I've said yes to projects that didn't work out. I've accepted opportunities that became stressful, disappointing, or simply weren't the right fit. Saying yes doesn't guarantee success.
But even those experiences taught me something. They made me wiser. They helped me recognize better opportunities when they came along. They shaped who I am just as much as the victories did.
Life has a funny way of unfolding. We rarely know where a decision will lead when we're making it. Most of the time, we're simply taking the next step without seeing the entire path ahead.
So if you take anything from these random thoughts, I hope it's this: whether you're in a season of celebration or struggle, trust that your journey is shaping you. The road isn't always easy, and not every yes will lead where you expected. But sometimes the next chapter of your life begins with one small decision to embrace an opportunity instead of fearing it.
Looking back, I'm incredibly thankful for the moments when I chose to say yes. They gave me a wife I adore, a family I cherish, a career I never imagined, a ministry that fills my heart, and the privilege of teaching the next generation.
You never know where one small yes might take you.