Stardate 12.15.2025
Some of you have been with me since I first stepped into the public space of cyberspace more than sixteen years ago. You’ve seen my stumbles. You’ve watched me fall — and then get back up again. You know my hopes, my dreams, and the life lessons I’ve tried to share without crossing lines of confidentiality around my family or my day job.
Lately, something unexpected has been happening. A flood of childhood memories has been finding its way back into my heart.
Before I go any further, I need to pause and acknowledge the prayer warriors who showed up for me during a time of real need. Without sharing details, let me simply say this: every single prayer mattered. Every one of them was heard. While the danger hasn’t fully passed, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of opening Christmas gifts when you’re a kid. Growing up in a family of six, we often received matching presents. One year, none of us even had favorite football teams — yet somehow, I ended up with Baltimore Colts pajamas, while my brothers each received Dallas Cowboys pajamas.
There was no grand plan behind it. Just parents doing their best to create joy.
Fast-forward to today, and life has a funny way of tying loose threads together. When our beloved Philip Rivers answered the call from the Indianapolis Colts and came out of retirement at age 44 to help push for a playoff run, it felt like one of those full-circle moments only God can orchestrate.
Suddenly, our family was united — again — cheering on the same team, rallying behind our 44-year-old superhero.
With Rivers back on the roster, this “grandpa” quarterback will have to wait at least five more years before Hall of Fame eligibility. But last night, he nearly pulled off the impossible against one of the league’s best defenses — despite joining the team just last week.
There’s something deeply inspiring about that.
Even more meaningful to me, my cousin Mark Mulligan reached out during a difficult time and honored a personal request. He’s featuring Philip Rivers in one of his early songs — written long before many of today’s fans were even born. Now a whole new generation is getting to know a quarterback who quite literally has enough kids to field his own team.
Thank you, Philip, for reminding us that purpose doesn’t expire.
Thank you, Mark, for your kindness and your music — especially when it mattered most.
May you live long and prosper.
Captain’s Addendum
Bones: A 44-year-old quarterback coming out of retirement? Michael, that’s not a comeback — that’s a medical experiment.
Spock: On the contrary, Doctor. Experience combined with discipline often outperforms youth alone.
Bones: You’re telling me wisdom beats raw muscle?
Spock: Repeatedly. History confirms this.
Bones: Huh. Maybe I ought to rethink retirement myself.
Spock: That would be… inadvisable.
Michael’s Reflection:
Heroes don’t always wear capes — sometimes they wear wrinkles, carry responsibility, and still answer the call when it matters. Watching someone step back into the arena reminds me that faith, perseverance, and heart never age out.
Scripture for the Journey
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9
Mission Log
Observation: Purpose has no expiration date
Status: Grateful, encouraged, steady
Objective: Keep showing up — one percent better, one day at a time
Thank you for sharing this moment with me. May it remind you that no matter your age, season, or circumstance, you’re never too late to answer the call God places on your heart. May that truth stay with you in prayer or quiet reflection today.
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