What Do You Get...?

Monday, July 27, 2009

What do you get when you cross Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Jack Nicholson, John Maxwell, and that precocious little boy in grade school that always threw sand at you on the playground? You get one of my fraternity brothers from American University ... once a party guy ... now a family man ... top educator ... motivational speaker guy ... Dr. Danny Brassell! Can you say the Joel Osteen of Education?

Thanks to the wonders of FaceBook, a few weeks ago I noticed that this ATO brother was coming to Nashville to do what he does best! We hadn't spoken in at least 15 years. We made plans to meet for a bite to eat.

As we sat across from each other at dinner tonight, we laughed at all the good times we had in college. We talked about the curve balls life threw us, as well as the many blessings we've been given. We both agreed that our wives ... and children ... remain our greatest assets.

Danny stumps me during the conversation: "I'm a born again Christian."

"What you talkin' about, Willis?" I chuckle.

The next few hours are just like ... like ... like sitting on a mountain top on a cool summer night as a young kid with your best friend. No school tomorrow. No deadlines tomorrow. No meetings tomorrow. Just a world of ideas and dreams and passions.

How am I going to make a difference in the world? I keep coming back to that question all night long. I heard it growing up. I say it to my kids.

Here's the good news. I had a pen and paper in the car. I stopped on the way home. I pulled over on the side of road. I took notes.

Trust me ... I've got some ideas ... I'll make a difference! Will you?