I love the visual image of you reading Switch by lantern light, Steve. The book is that good!

Your post brought to mind my favorite Emily Dickenson quote: 'Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tune without the words And never stops at all."

Years ago I wrote Winning the Change Game, a story based on my experiences over many years of helping companies implement organization wide initiatives. One of the most important things I learned was to never assume that progress was a straight upward line. Being a change agent is kind of like being a sheep dog -- you must always be vigilant, enthusiastic, caring, nudging, filled with hope and optimism,  and, occasionally, barking:)