The Raptors have had a series of home games these past few weeks, which has given me time to get some rest (no flights!) and reconnect with the city. This past Sunday, I also had the opportunity to attend church, which was a nice luxury. I went church in the neighbourhood where I grew up and attended elementary school: St. Timothy’s Catholic Church.

As I listened to the priest, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fortunate I have been. I was grateful for my health and strength, and grateful that I had the opportunity to sit in the very place of worship where I would sit as a child. It was a nice feeling to be back.

Back in the day, I used to sneak my hand into the offering slot and attempt to take money out. Horrible, I know, but I was a child and it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now that I’m in a position to give back to the church, it feels good. Not out of guilt for my childhood mischief…but just out of gratitude! Out of thankfulness! Out of appreciation that God has never left me.

I expected to see a few familiar faces at St. Timothy’s, former classmates and neighbours, but I didn’t. And being on the road and out of a standard routine for so long, I have learned that your physical presence in church is not always a testament to what is in your heart.

Church is the only place that I don’t feel judged, or have people ask me about my job, or ask who I am. It is very refreshing.

Despite being raised in the church, I truly found God in 2008. This was a time in my life when I was faced with serious adversity in my career for the first time. I had a difficult transition going from playing…to not playing, and I took it very hard. This is when I was with the New Jersey Nets.

At this point in my life, I started to attend church regularly. Sometimes if I had a Sunday morning off, I would ask the hotel concierge to direct me to the nearest church. Usually when you’re in the middle of a season, church often takes the form of the arena’s chapel. I would attend chapel with the home team in New Jersey, and with our opposing teams on the road. An hour before every game, chapel is open to both teams in the arena. On average, there will maybe be about 2-4 players in attendance. It’s optional, but I always try to find time to go, and try to encourage others to attend as well.

I understand that everyone has their own pre-game ritual (some, superstitions), but this has now become my ritual. Although I appreciate being able to attend chapel provided by the NBA, I did feel exceptionally blessed to be in this church, 20 years later. I felt at home. I took a walk around the neighbourhood, my old school, and truly reflected on how far I have come…yet how great it is to be in the same physical place.

As I write this, it is February 21. Today would have been the 30th birthday of my late brother Justin. Today, I am extremely appreciative for the years he lived his life, and also for the years I have been given to live mine. I am thankful that I have been able to continue a relationship with God over the years, starting with St. Timothy’s. I remain humbled.