I was in the woods, squinting at 3-by-5 cards in the moonlight, attempting to familiarize myself with a speech about God, our true spiritual nature, and the profound effect prayer can have on mental and physical health. I had two days to get the speech down, while also serving as an assistant scoutmaster at my stepsons’ Boy Scout campout. I could remember half the talk, but the rest just wouldn’t stick. 

All the boys were supposed to be in their tents, sleeping, but suddenly here was one of the scouts. I’ll call him Ethan. He walked up and grabbed the cards out of my hand. “What are these?” he asked. “Notes for a speech I’m trying to learn,” I told him. He said, “I’ll help!”

My heart sank. Tired, frustrated . . . and now Ethan. He wouldn’t give the cards back and started pacing with me. As we paced, though, things changed. He gave hints that forced me to think deeply. The rest of the speech began to come to thought more easily.