Life has a way of shaping us through places, people, and moments we never forget. This photo was taken in Uganda during a mission trip—one of those experiences that quietly stays with you and continues to teach long after you’ve returned home.

I remember giving my Beckenbauer cleats to a young man there, along with a donated full set of jerseys for their team. What I thought was a simple act of giving ended up giving me far more in return. The joy, gratitude, and sense of community they carried—with so little by our standards—was humbling and unforgettable. Even the #Busch jerseys took on a whole new meaning halfway around the world.

Trips like this remind me that happiness isn’t something we buy or accumulate. It’s something we practice. People who have far less materially often understand joy, connection, and gratitude far better than we do.

These journeys—across continents and within ourselves—are part of what made me who I am. And I remain deeply thankful. Giving, it turns out, does far more for the soul than receiving ever could.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah