But First, Let Me Thank God

Headlines: Boston Celtics coach wears shirt thanking God after team wins record-setting NBA title.

It was a great season for our Dallas Mavericks, but the big win in the 2024 NBA Finals last Monday, June 17th, was claimed by the Boston Celtics and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla. It was the Celtics' first title since 2008 and their 18th overall, the most of any NBA franchise.

What impressed me most about the victory wasn’t just the game itself, but the way Mazzulla carried his faith on his shirt. Literally. Sporting a shirt that read "But First, Let Me Thank God" was a message highlighting that faith is the cornerstone of their team.

In his opening remarks, Mazzulla said, “Obviously, for us, for me, our faith is the most important thing,” before praising the Celtics fans as "the best fans in the world." While the coach did not directly address his shirt during the program, he described his role as Celtics head coach as "a blessing," adding, "I don't deserve it. But because of grace, I'm here."

How and you and me? Too often, we take the applause for ourselves in achievements we've made. Or, we highlight all that we've failed at things. But, "First, let me thank God" is the most important. Because God deserves the praise and glory.

Joe Mazzulla's public display of gratitude is a wonderful reminder for all of us to always be in an attitude of gratitude. It's easy to get caught up in our accomplishments and forget who guided us to those victories. Whether we're celebrating a big win, or overcoming personal challenges, our first response should always be to thank God.

Gratitude shifts our focus from ourselves to the One who truly deserves the praise. It keeps us humble and reminds us that our successes are not solely our own. They are gifts, blessings, and manifestations of God's grace in our lives.

So next time we achieve something great, or even when we face a setback, may we remember to pause and say, "But first, let me thank God."

Let this be the anthem of our lives, echoing through our actions and words. In all things, give thanks, and we'll find that every victory is sweeter, every challenge more bearable, and every day more blessed.