06/14/2026
Today, Kayleb had a saxophone performance at a local restaurant alongside several other young musicians from his music school.
Before he ever played a note, we were frustrated.
Somewhere along the way, wires got crossed and the performance schedule wasn't what we had been told. We waited. And waited. And waited.
Hours passed.
People started leaving.
Kayleb was tired and disappointed. At one point, he wanted to skip the performance altogether and just go home.
Honestly, we considered it.
But eventually, his moment came.
He stepped onto that stage and played.
Afterward, a woman approached us with tears in her eyes. She congratulated Kayleb and told him how much his performance had moved her.
Then she shared her story.
She had recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Her doctor had given her difficult news and told her something that changed her perspective:
"Focus on living, not dying. Go do the things you've always wanted to do."
She told us her daughter takes saxophone lessons and that she had always dreamed of learning to play herself.
Because of hearing Kayleb perform today, she signed up for lessons with his teacher.
Kayleb told her he had been playing for two years.
She smiled and said, "I don't have two years, but I hope to be as good as you someday."
In that moment, none of us knew what to say.
So Kayleb did what came naturally.
He hugged her.
He thanked her.
And he smiled.
Before we left, we made plans to meet again in a few weeks at our music teacher's performance. Officially, we'll be there to support the teacher.
But truthfully?
We'll be there to support our new friend.
We'll be there to celebrate her courage.
We'll be there to cheer her on as she learns something she's always wanted to do.
And if she's feeling well enough to attend, that's reason enough for a song.
On the drive home, our family talked about what had happened.
This is ministry.
Not always from a pulpit.
Not always through words.
Sometimes it's through a saxophone.
Sometimes it's through showing up.
Sometimes it's through using the gifts God gave you without ever realizing who might need them.
Had Kayleb performed at the original time we expected, we may never have met her.
What felt like an inconvenience became a blessing.
What felt like a three-hour delay became a divine appointment.
Today reminded us that you never know who is watching, who is listening, or whose life your gift might touch.
Keep showing up.
Keep sharing your gifts.
Keep playing your song.
Someone may need to hear it more than you'll ever know.
Please keep our new family friend in your prayers. We certainly will.
