The Kentucky State Fair always falls in the week when my school year begins. That always puts me in a tough spot, balancing taking care of my cattle, spending time with my friends, and making sure that I don’t get too far behind on schoolwork. In years past, I have left State Fair and then become overwhelmed trying to finish my makeup work in the week that follows. A similar feeling usually follows showing at NAILE. It’s in these moments that my cattle begin to feel like a burden, just another thing filling up my time; it takes my joy away from caring for cattle.
But this year is different; over the summer, I heard some wise words that left an immeasurable impact on my outlook, not only in this circumstance but in many parts of my life. Those words came during my time at the Kentucky Beef Council’s Youth Leadership Program from Bradon Burks. They were so simple and yet so profound: “You don’t have to; you get to.” I don’t have to rush to finish makeup work; I get to, because I was blessed enough to have cattle to take and to go to the state fair, and when I got there, I was blessed enough to have great people to hang out with. I have so many wonderful reasons my life feels so full. With that simple change in the way I viewed my schoolwork and responsibilities, I found a new joy; one that comes from seeing the blessing that fills my life, rather than just things I had to do.
I want to challenge all of you to see the positive in everything you get to do. Be active in the fullness of your life; look for blessings in all parts of it. All the little things that we so often take for granted. All the things we say day after day we have to do. These are all the things we get to do. Not only are they things we get to do, but they are also blessings to us. Count your blessings, and remember to never take the opportunities you have for granted. Don’t live life like you have to live life as you get to.
Jackson Kidd – NALJA Board of Directors