[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This week has been a roller coaster for me. I had a pretty high hope, many people probably familiar with, not go the way I wanted. The possibility of a door, back into a world I believed I belonged in, never quite materialized. In the book of Proverbs, it says, “hope deferred makes the heart sick,” and this week, my heart has been sick.
As I walked out of gym this morning, wishing I was getting ready for a playoff game tomorrow, I was feeling pretty low. While minding my own business, a man drove past me in a truck and shouted some racist and insensitive things at me, followed by some profanity about how I stupid looked. I was utterly shocked and offended, ready to hurl a brick into his windshield. I found myself spiraling through this progression.
Attack: I wanted to punch this guy right in his Adams apple. Why on earth would a man with a fully formed adult brain, say something like that to a total stranger minding his own business? My heart rate jumped as I visualized how good it would feel to slap him, in an attempt to replicate the humiliation I felt, in him.
Defend: I went through the list of all the reasons I was cool. I have a hot wife who loves me, won a super bowl, made great money, voted class clown in high school. No way man…YOU’RE THE LOSER. Forgetting when you try to defend yourself with stuff like that, it just makes you look more weak.
Separate: I don’t normally get shaken when people treat me poorly. I usually feel pretty OK with who I am and assume peoples problem with me is because of them, not me. I took some deep breaths and realized, the reason I’m taking this so personal is because I was already feeling disappointed and low. He was a giant straw that broke my back.
Compassion: I started to realize, this guy must have a pretty terrible life. When someone has an insatiable urge like that, to cast stones at total strangers to feel powerful, its usually never the whole story. I wonder what his dad was like? I wonder if his wife loves him well? I wonder if he feels stressed over his work? I wonder if he is estranged from his kids? I wonder if he is turning to substance, over community to escape the pain he has? There was obviously more to the story and I felt sorry for him.
It took me a long time today to get to the compassion spot, which is normally where I start. I got kicked when I was down, by a total stranger, and that was no fun. Because of the disappointment I was carrying, I allowed someone outside of me, to determine the kind of day I was going to have, and that ain’t ok.
Tough times expose things, which God wants to grow in us. Not to shame us for where we are, but because He loves journeying with us in our quest for being whole. He’s the teacher, the counselor, and the friend who sticks closer than a brother. Guiding us in this “flash-in-the-pan” called life. For those, who are wanting to know exactly why I’m not playing tomorrow, I’d love to go into more detail, but the timing isn’t quite right. You will understand why. I am in the process of writing my first book, about what it looks like to be whole in every area of our life. It will go into the details of the football situation. I’m excited. I think it’s going to help a lot of people navigate their own storms and disappointments, as they journey towards being whole.
Being offended is a choice. Whether it be towards God or people. When I act like a toddler, throwing a tantrum when God doesn’t open the door I want, or when people try to belittle me, I can remember that the good times in life are God loving me, and the tough times in life, are God growing me. I need them both. Here’s to a new year and a new day. Together, lets love the process as we journey towards wholeness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_buttons btn_color=”bg-blue” btn_icon=”yes” btn_hover_effect=”fill-frm-top” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clintgresham.com%2Fcontact%2F|||” btn_text=”Invite Me To Speak!”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
I’m really sad you won’t be playing tomorrow, but I’m really glad you have your faith. God loves you no matter what! I know He has great things planned for you.
A beautiful post and very good insite! Sending so much love & positive thoughts to you and your family!
Clint,
Praying hard for you man. As you worked out on your own, don’t let someone else dictate your path. You are a blast to follow on Twitter. You are a world champion. And you share yourself with so many people, all for moments like this. I find your sharing inspires me to have a process of resolve for moments like yours.
Thanks for sharing, and God bless!
I am so sorry. I was secretly hoping you would get a phone call. I will continue to hope and pray for good things.
I’m sad and sorry that person said such horrible things to you, I’m more sad to not see you rocking your jersey on the field you deserve to be on. All season I’ve been hoping beyond hope that you would somehow find your way back onto the field with the family that needs you. I know God has other plans for you, but nonetheless you are missed. Hope to see you in Hawks gear soon!
I feel for you Clint sorry you went through that but God is with you and will ride with you forever
You have always been one of my favorite players, Clint! I’m glad you were able to turn the hurtful and offensive words around and not let them keep you down. You are such a caring individual – I witnessed this first hand when I met you as you were signing autographs and taking pictures with the patients at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Thank you for being such a wonderful human being!
God bless you Clint. You are so missed by the 12’s, but it’s exciting to see how Jesus is leading you on a new journey. Only by His grace, with the power of the Holy Spirit, are His children able move past emotion-driven reactions to life’s disappointments (and rude people) to a place of true peace, contentment and compassion. Our God is so good! Praying for His leading as you work on your book.
Clint we love you man! In many ways I can relate to you. What is happening is building not only your character and Spirit man, but will work to your benefit in impacting and inspiring lives by your testimony. And we know that all these things work together for good for those who are the CALLED according to HIS purpose! Praying for you!
Asking God to give you peace tonight. May He reveal His plans for the next step of your journey.
Clint, what a great lesson and thanks so much for sharing it! I also have struggled with God’s lessons in life. The tendency to think woe is me can be the first thing on my mind quite easily if my God connection hasn’t been nurtured well lately. And of course I’m talking about my efforts to turn towards him lately. As we know it’s a daily decision to do this, and I don’t always do that well.
Keep your head up and keep listening to God, I know he has great things for you! Greater than you can imagine!
What an awesome read. I am sorry some jerk was so rude. Mean and cruel people suck. I wish you were still with the Hawks. It was a shock to all of us 12’s.
Super encouraging Clint! Praying for you and Matti and love you two a lot!
Man we miss you on our team. God is good though and his plan is always good. Hang in there. the 12’s miss you!
i’m just impressed. I want to know and we want to know that why you ain’t playing tomorrow. But as we are expecting your book sure we will have answer. I hope to see you on wherever the field soon man.
sucks people are like that. But glad you were able to understand that the guy has the problem not you. NFL wise, most NFL teams fans don’t even know the name of the long snapper. But here in seattle, Bremerton, Seabeck and other Washington cities we know who was the greatest Seahawks long snapper in our history. Thanks for all the great memories. Good luck to you and your wife.
Thanks for your openness. God’s blessings.
Thanks for leading OUT of the storm…praying God’s timing in your life. And thank you for speaking even when it doesn’t feel good.
Gresh you are the man! I’m sorry you went threw that. I admire how you look at life and how God directs you in everything. I like how you said in the hard times it’s God making you grow. Perspective is so powerful and possible for everyone. One love brother. I hope I can meet you one day man! Just another 12 in the sound.
Go hawks
-Dan Miyasato
Thank you for reaching out to us Clint. Although this hope (for the 12 Family you will always be a part of – as well as yours) was not yet fulfilled, we will not give up! You are an amazing person as you are showing by your progression through the tough times. Keep growing and striving and hold on to the Love! (((hug)))
WE NEED YOU BACK. DONT WORRY BROTHER, JOHN WILL BE CALLING, YOUR THE BEST. Seahawks haven’t been the same at the long snapper position. Much respect to you my freind.
Stay the course Clint. You are living the life intended for you (except it should be in Seattle). We love ya man!!
You have it all!! Plus you’ve reached the top rung….Super Bowl…. what every player wishes for. You’re there. Have you seen The Wizard of Oz lately? Watch it again. From what I’ve read here It sounds like God has already showed his favor towards you. Don’t you see it? By the way, can’t wait for your book to come out. Love and prayers to you.
Your story has already been written, you have to have a cause (Dream) in life and work only the way Clint, can work to reach that dream……when you wake up excited to start the (work) and see and treat all people the way it is intended for us to treat each other….your Dream will once again be fulfilled. Help someone (physically), make someone smile (compliment) pay for struggling persons mea
Clint,
How blessed are we that we are loved to the point that our Father tests our resolve and grounding in faith. As Paul writes we should be rejoicing in these challenges and tough times because our faith is being testing for growth, just as a earthly father grows his sons and daughters.
With love,
The Ohio State University – YoungLife College
Very important words for people of all ages sir! You are an inspiration! I wish I could have you come speak at my high school class here in Yakima! We’ve been discussing things just like this.
Head up high. You reach allot of people that need it with your motivating words. All the best to you and your family!
What a great piece! I really appreciate the perspective and how you progressed through your day with it. I will start doing this myself, as I have always been quick to react. Only I can make the choice to react and how I will do it, if at all. Thank you Sir! Wishing you the very best!
I’m really impressed by you. It takes a lot of strength to go through that thought process, especially when you are down. Also, you are not only a deep thinker, but very eloquent! I’m excited that you are writing a book!
Clint, so sorry this ignorant fool had to be in your space, especially at that particular time. Remember that God has a grand plan for each of us – you included. So hold your head up. You are indeed blessed!
Your former next door neighbor on SeaView,
John Keys
Sorry to hear that Clint , God has blessed you in many ways and is with you always , Smile and ask God to Bless this person who needs his help ,
Chin up .
Keep working through it – Keep challenging your perspective. Really appreciate you using your frustrations to encourage others. Wishing I was on sidelines at Hawks too (photographer) like I was for so many years. But I’m accepting I get to be with my boys and watch the game at home. Listen – learn – Live it!
Clint-
Thank you for this. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing so others may grow. Myself included. As I read this I couldn’t help but tear up because of Gods grace. How as Godly men walking by faith will sharpen our character and bring glory to Him. I normally don’t look into people’s stories(on IG) and read their blogs but I was led to yours and for that I am thankful. Stay motivated!!
Wow. You are a real person who inspires many. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful wife as you walk through this thing called life and keep your eye on the end prize! I think the previous comment about fans not knowing the names of their long snappers was right on. #hawksnation knows, lives and misses you!
I started following you on social media because you impacted my daughter when you spoke at Malibu. Reading your posts and now this blog I have one thought in my heart for you. Your greatest impact and use is in your testimony. The disappointments, challenges, and uncertainties. God has you. He is preparing you for greater service.
Thank you for loving Jesus, Young Life, and our friends with special abilities. If I owned a professional football team, you’d been on it long ago.