Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
This "Secret City" has quite the historic past.
It's fascinating and if you ever come here you should check out
the American Museum of Science and Energy.
I'm here addressing a Leadership conference of Presidential executives.
But before addressing this particular group of high-powered leaders,
I called a friend of mine who is one of their own.
Not that he'd be in this audience,
but he certainly knew the challenges and opportunities facing these peers.

He has been the President of one of the top member organizations in the nation
and after 19 or so years there is retiring
(or at least transitioning into a consulting role).
I told him of the session and the group and asked for any advice he might have for me in preparing to deliver this half-day session.

Almost without hesitation he answered my question
with one of the most profound things I've heard in some time.
"Michael, I can't think of anyone better to address that group.
To really encourage them.
We've all become so busy and so pressed for time...
we're dealing with such an erosion of the spirit."

Wow. An EROSION OF THE SPIRIT.
What a powerful and perceptive statement.
He continued. "We need to be revitalized in these flat places.
To lift our eyes and be inspired and encouraged.
To stop worrying so much and control what we can, as best we can."

Even though I said thanks over and over, I can't thank my friend enough.
Not just for his comments, or his advice, which is so very true.
But for reminding me that inspiration and encouragement still can make a difference.
And how desperately needed it is by most everyone today.

To be reminded that it's not all about work, and business,
and worrying, and money,
but it's still mostly about life and living it.
It's still about being energized.
About making ourselves available to that kind of encouragement
and inspiration through books and writings and seminars and speakers and ministers.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to be one of those speakers
who brings that message in as many ways as I can.
It's one of my goals actually, and it's written in my goals journal.
It travels with me wherever I travel,
just to remind me why I'm on so my flights,
run through so many airports, stand in so many lines,
drive so many miles, and sleep in so many hotels.
To be an inspiration.
An encourager.

To influence individuals with a message that just might
make a difference in someone's spirit. To sign a few books.
To drop a few simple building blocks that could stop that erosion.
Thanks for the opportunity.

And Be of good cheer.
Michael