As I sit here peacefully in our living room, I cannot help
but think of everything that happens throughout the holiday season. As state
officers we have just begun our business and industry visits this week. A
couple days ago we began our travels at Elanco by starting with a tour of their
facilities and new additions to their company while also having the opportunity
to speak one-on-one with a couple of their key employees. We are incredibly
thankful for Elanco’s constant support of the FFA and us as a state officer
team. They always provide an uplifting atmosphere within their headquarters
that is so inviting to FFA members across the state.
As we made our way to Elanco in the morning traffic, I
realized that through the hustle and bustle of this season there are little
moments that we never notice or little actions that we are not thankful for,
simply because we miss them. Christmas is coming up and some dread the holidays
because to them it means rushing around the city to find those last minute
presents they forgot, or they may even dread driving in the ice and snow;
however, what they do not realize is all the good that happens within the magic
of the Christmas season.
As I make quick runs to Wal-Mart it always seems to be a
blessing to drop some cash in the Salvation Army bucket. Who could have guessed
that such a small contribution could give so much hope to one person? While we go
into those stores to find the last minute gifts, what if we thought of those
thousands of children who would not get a Christmas gift all season? Just by
purchasing a few toys and giving them to organizations, we could change
Christmas for so many children this year. The little things we do for others or
what others do for us are often lost in the commotion of life moving at such a
fast pace. Sometimes it is just a good idea to sit back and reflect on life and
see all the small blessings that have been placed in our lives. Whether
reflection to you means prayer, journaling, or even listening to music that
reflects your life, there is always time we can carve out of each week to just
sit. To be able to sit and let all the stress of this life go and just see what
we have been graced with is one small ability we have to handle the commotion
of the season.
As I sit listening to music about being grateful for life, I
think of how many things I have that I should be thankful for: my state officer
family, my family back home, my friends, FFA members, an education, the ability
to attend church, and even a warm house. There are so many things we take for
granted every day that we have the tendency to only be thankful for on
Thanksgiving, but sometimes in the chaotic moments it is more important to
remember what we have rather than be disappointed at what we do not have.
It has been a blessing to see all the changes of seasons
from the window of the state officer house, but what is even better is seeing
all the positive changes FFA members make after leaving the FFA Center. My
teammates and I cannot wait to spend the Christmas season with FFA chapters
around the state and share what we are thankful for during the holidays.
Through the chaos and hustle of the season, there is always a light shining on
the blessings we are given each and every day. The only question is: Will we
notice that light over all the headlights we pass in traffic? It is always the
small things we sometimes miss that can make us the happiest. One great quote I
love goes like this:
“Enjoy the little things in life….for one day you’ll look back
and realize they were the big things.”
Through the holidays take time to notice and love the small
moments within the big moments. Be sure to enjoy the crazy moments with friends
while you are shopping, appreciate the person standing for the Salvation Army
in the cold, sing Christmas songs like crazy with your family, decorate too
much, dance like no one is watching, and love always.
Forever Blessed
Dakota Westphal
2014-2015 Indiana FFA State Reporter
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