When I spend time encouraging and mentoring younger leaders now, they’re very grateful. I remember that feeling – that sensation of relief and gratitude.

Someone I thought important and powerful believing I was worth their time. It was my fuel. I did not need big room recognition. I needed small room encouragement and understanding. I got it from people who had no more in common with me than one simple idea: they cared about other people and wanted to make life less hard for those that started at the bottom.

I got encouragement from those who felt a sense of responsibility for their city, county, or country. Helping was a habit for them. Passing it on was a way of life.

I once worried about how I would ever repay the folks that supported and encouraged me. Now I know.

I pass it on.