The funeral of the 40th president was televised at work today. Along with other staff members I wandered back and forth from my office to the screen across the hall and joined in the reflection on the life of an outstanding person, Ronald Reagan. As his life was recounted with antecdotes, proverbs, and quips a memory emerged of a national leader who lived his life with integrity, sincerity, and gentle humor. Here was a person who followed his vision with an earnestness and directness matched by few, as a person who could inspire confidence in our nation and in the world at large because he owned a vision of life that embraced the goodness of God at work in the land of the living.

I remember the Reagan years with a great fondness. And I want to revisit them. I want to draw from this man's passing a renewed quest for bringing the best of myself to the communities that I inhabit. I want to articulate the truth, as well as inspire, encourage, and support a spirit of hope in those around me. I want to remember the good humor and forthrightness of Mr. Reagan and draw inspiration from his spirit.

Today presents a rare opportunity, to commemorate on a great life. As this day, filled with the tributes and shared memories of one of the world's great leaders, sends us as a nation to place of contemplation may we return to our daily lives with renewed spirits and ideals.