Stones Under Rushing Water
I absolutely love music, though I’ll admit that, throughout the years, the only concerts I have really enjoyed are those put on by students. I guess I really never got into going to concerts and fighting the crowds. I know…I know — I’m missing out!
A few years ago, my wife Jennifer surprised me with tickets to see Needtobreathe. While a concert wasn’t something I would have immediately listed as a “super fun” way to spend an evening, the idea of hanging out with Jennifer and listening to one of my favorite bands sounded like something I could definitely get behind.
So off we went — and what a terrific time we had together. Jennifer and I have had Needtobreathe songs on our playlist for years, but after that night, their music meant something different to us. Now, whenever I play their songs on Spotify during my drive to work, I find myself smiling, remembering that night and the fun we shared.
A few years ago, my wife Jennifer surprised me with tickets to see Needtobreathe. While a concert wasn’t something I would have immediately listed as a “super fun” way to spend an evening, the idea of hanging out with Jennifer and listening to one of my favorite bands sounded like something I could definitely get behind.
So off we went — and what a terrific time we had together. Jennifer and I have had Needtobreathe songs on our playlist for years, but after that night, their music meant something different to us. Now, whenever I play their songs on Spotify during my drive to work, I find myself smiling, remembering that night and the fun we shared.
One of my favorite songs from the band is “Stones Under Rushing Water.” The chorus goes:
As the years go by
Like stones under rushing water
We only know, we only know when it’s gone.
Don’t you find that so true? The years do go by like stones under rushing water — fast, constant, and sometimes unnoticed — and too often, we only realize it once the moment has passed.

I was reminded of that recently when I came across a picture of me with my son, Jacob. We were supposed to be raking leaves…but decided to have a little fun first. The picture was taken in 2018. What would we do without our cell phones capturing these memories for us? Those “stones under rushing water” have carried seven years since that moment — and yet, it still feels like yesterday. I believe it is easy to see that, indeed, seven years have passed as you look at the second picture below.

As we spend quality time with our families this holiday season, I encourage you to take a moment to pause and reflect on the meaning of this special time. Take a look back at your own memories — the laughter, the chaos, the hugs, and the smiles.
I actually have a challenge for you this holiday season: take a moment to dive into the photos on your phone. Scroll through the years and find those moments that make you smile or bring a tear to your eye. Print them. Frame them. Or go old school — put them in a photo album. Place them around the house or on the coffee table, and then just watch what happens. I promise, it will bring joy to your family, spark conversations, and remind everyone of the powerful moments that truly matter.
Once you’ve reminisced together, talk about your next adventure — how you want to create new memories and powerful moments in the year ahead.
Because in the end, it’s not about the big events or the perfect plans — it’s about the moments we create and the memories we hold onto. Whether it’s with your immediate family or your Ladue family, those are the moments that make life meaningful.
I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve included a few pictures of my own family — a small reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to cherish every single moment.

As the years go by
Like stones under rushing water
We only know, we only know when it’s gone.
Don’t you find that so true? The years do go by like stones under rushing water — fast, constant, and sometimes unnoticed — and too often, we only realize it once the moment has passed.

I was reminded of that recently when I came across a picture of me with my son, Jacob. We were supposed to be raking leaves…but decided to have a little fun first. The picture was taken in 2018. What would we do without our cell phones capturing these memories for us? Those “stones under rushing water” have carried seven years since that moment — and yet, it still feels like yesterday. I believe it is easy to see that, indeed, seven years have passed as you look at the second picture below.

As we spend quality time with our families this holiday season, I encourage you to take a moment to pause and reflect on the meaning of this special time. Take a look back at your own memories — the laughter, the chaos, the hugs, and the smiles.
I actually have a challenge for you this holiday season: take a moment to dive into the photos on your phone. Scroll through the years and find those moments that make you smile or bring a tear to your eye. Print them. Frame them. Or go old school — put them in a photo album. Place them around the house or on the coffee table, and then just watch what happens. I promise, it will bring joy to your family, spark conversations, and remind everyone of the powerful moments that truly matter.
Once you’ve reminisced together, talk about your next adventure — how you want to create new memories and powerful moments in the year ahead.
Because in the end, it’s not about the big events or the perfect plans — it’s about the moments we create and the memories we hold onto. Whether it’s with your immediate family or your Ladue family, those are the moments that make life meaningful.
I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve included a few pictures of my own family — a small reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to cherish every single moment.

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