The crowd was estimated to be 160,000 strong.  The event is called the Aaron 499 NASCAR race held in Talladega, Alabama April 29, 2007.  Now I have to confess that I have never been a big NASCAR fan, but I do have some very generous friends who provided me with tickets, awesome hospitality and a great time at the race.  When asked who my favorite driver is I usually tell people that it is Jarred Johnson.  They usually look a little puzzled and I have to confess that he is really just an imaginary driver (this is much like an imaginary friend, except he drives faster).  But some times I do get people who tell me that they like him too.

        There were many things I did enjoy about the race.  The force of the engines as they vibrate your whole body when they zoom past, the sound of the crowd as they roar when their driver takes the lead, the incredible speed of the cars and synchronization and precision of the pit crews.   Another unique spectacle was that of just watching the thousands of people who are the truly dedicated fans; they travel hundreds of miles, sleep in cars and tents, and use porta-potties for days, just to follow their drivers.  Now, that is dedication!

        As I sat there enjoying the race, I could not help but notice that there were many fans who were really involved in the race.  They had headphones on and were listening to the pit crews talking strategy.  They were slapping high fives when their car past a rival and giving obscene hand jesters when the opposing driver edged past their man.  They followed each minute lead change with the interest of someone who had wagered the farm on the outcome of this race.  They were involved and really into the race.  You could tell that this was not their first rodeo.

        That, I believe is one of the secrets of living a rewarding life.  Involvement!  Some people go through life and seem like they are just spectators watching those around them live life.  I was once a Juvenile Probation Officer and I use to tell my kids that I could guarantee them a passing grade in school.  And I believe the same formula will guarantee you a happier life.  How?  Involvement!  In school, pay attention, do your homework, participate, get active in the class and you will not fail.  In life, get involved in the lives of those around you.  Listen, laugh, love, share, be kind, get involved and if you are not happier, I will give you your money back.  Guaranteed!

Something to think about:

• Nothing quiets criticism like involvement.

• Things which come to us easily have no significance. Satisfaction comes when we do something which is difficult; when there is sacrifice involved.

• Often greater risk is involved in postponement than in making a wrong decision.

• You can bank on any friendship where interest is paid.

• Love will find a way—indifference will find an excuse.

• Nothing is as tiresome as doing nothing.

• It is not possible for a person to be what he ought to be until he does what he ought to be doing.

• The road to failure is greased with the slime of indifference.

• It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can do only a little.

• To know what is right and not to do it is just as bad as actively doing wrong.

• The biggest cemetery in the country is where unused talents are buried.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines . . .
Rickey Moore