From president-elect to leader of the free world, Barack Obama's improbable ride to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will be complete in a matter of hours. He has asked this nation to tag along on this magnificent journey and we have - in droves.

But soon the hard work of leading the world's most powerful nation begins in earnest.

News reports say that Obama's inaugural address will echo that of John F. Kennedy's in 1961 that counseled " ...ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

It might be more than 40 years old, but that message couldn't be more on time.

This nation is is in terrible shape. Home values are falling. Jobs are getting hard to come by. The stock market drop is giving restless nights to those of us lucky enough to have some savings in 401 K plans. And businesses are shutting their doors.

In his speech at the Lincoln Memorial Saturday, Obama did a good job of managing our expectations. He said addressing the challenges facing this country will likely take many years. He is right and I hope that we have the patience to stick with him should he be right.