Moments

April 22, 2008

My teammates and I are half-way through National FFA Office, and I cannot believe how many of the greatest moments of the year can all happen in such short succession.

Have you ever had a moment that just made you stop and think about how little things, things you may see as minor or not even recall, mean so much to others? Last night I had the opportunity to visit friends and celebrate a year's achievements at the 2008 Prairie Heights FFA Banquet in my home state, and I had several of these "moments."

After some great time at home with my family and friends, I hopped on a plane and headed to northwestern Indiana to visit a 3-star FFA Chapter. I arrived in Fort Wayne and was picked up by Mrs. Noll, the FFA Chapter advisor's, Mr. Noll, wife. We went to the home and farm of Prairie Heights FFA member and state officer candidate, Laura Stockwell - where I would later spend the evening. As I met Laura's father, he jokingly said, "You're the one my son, Kyle, beat in that proficiency award at state your senior year." I said, "Yeah, I completely forgot about that!" Huh... I never really thought much about it.

Laura and I then sent out for the high school. When we arrived, I was greeted by several FFA members. Many of these members I had met before, and each one remembered last time we spoke. Wow! Whether we had chatted at the national FFA convention, shared lunch at state dairy evaluation, or had participated in activities at Jr. High FFA Day when I was a state FFA officer, we excitedly recounted a number of events and times spent together. I had forgotten about some of those great times...

Following an amazing meal provided by family of the FFA members, we made our way into the auditorium for the awards presentation. We watched as dozens of members were recognized for their efforts. Then Blake Stowers, Indiana FFA State Secretary, and I spoke about how failure is motivation, inspiration, and is a teaching tool. We finished up our keynote together, and the officer team closed out the meeting.

Now, anyone who has been to a couple of FFA meetings knows that some of the most fun of the night happens when you're talking and goofing off afterward. Tonight was no exception! Mr. Buchanan, Indiana FFA Foundation Director; Blake; chapter members - Emmy, Laney, Kelly, Laura, Dave and I took a tour of their school farm. Then, we toured the agricultural building, where they reminded me of a drawing of an FFA jacket I made. The now own it! I hadn't seen that drawing in over a year!

As we finished up our conversations, Mr. Noll, mentioned something to me that meant so much. He said that he really admired what I did on stage after I was elected this past fall. I pointed up to God after I made my way onto the convention stage to give appreciation for this blessing, this opportunity. He said that my small, five-second action, meant a lot to him.

The series of events the eve of our half-way point made me step back and think about how the smallest things in our eyes can be deeply profound in the eyes of another. The Foundation for a Better Life sent this quote to me in an e-mail. "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito."

Whether you draw a picture for someone, lose to a fellow member in proficiency, or give appreciation and recognition where it is due, each of us have innumerable moments that have a serious influence on others. While we love to think we are on our toes and will remain vigilant in our effort to positively focus our efforts, most of our "moments" will happen when we are simply being ourselves.

Never underestimate your ability to, consciously or otherwise, influence another.