This morning, like many many other Americans, I watched the Inauguration of Barack H. Obama. (Actually, I watched some TV channel on mute and chose NPR as the audio.) And I have to admit that I thought it was pretty great. Historic. I was glad to have seen it, and wish I’d been there in person.

I loved the grand scope of his speech, and I believe that it was the right time for grand. Today was a day for inspiring and uniting a nation, not laying out specific tactics. I thought First Lady Michelle Obama’s ensemble was fabulous: gold dress and green gloves! And I could have listened to “Aire and Simple Gifts” all day long. (I mean, John Williams arranging for Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman?! Come ON!!!)

For me, the most poignant moment of the ceremony was one particular camera shot during the inaugural speech. The shot changed from a close-up of our new president to a wide-angle shot of the Capitol and crowds, and pulling back even further. For a moment he looked so small. And then I couldn’t even distinguish him from the rest of the folks on the balcony. I was reminded that, although he’s been granted tremendous power, Barack Obama is still only one man among hundreds in our government and millions in our country. Let’s look to him for what he can provide – inspiration and leadership – and not expect him to accomplish anything lasting without the rest of us.