Learn Things

As we left Springfield, Missouri, and thought about the week that passed, and as we watched social media over the following days, it became obvious we are indeed a blessed country, a blessed breed and a blessed industry.

As the hair grows thinner and grayer, we view things differently and I, for one, want to put a few things down in bytes that try and give credit to those who deserve it. We are not going to name names, because we would miss someone who needed to be commended. We are going to bring up the groups and you just jump in where you fit.

First, congratulations to the young people of the Limousin breed for taking part of your summer vacation to come to Springfield and participate in the National Junior Limousin Show & Congress experience. Many of you have worked hard to get your heifer, bull or steer ready. You practiced your speech, sales talk or showmanship in the hours ahead of the competition and you came and put your best foot forward, hoping the take home a trophy or plaque. You competed fairly and with vigor and sometimes you won, but most times you were not in first place, but that is alright too, you gave it your all and you LEARNED THINGS. The world will need people that know how to work toward a goal, how to make a decision and defend it, how to lose and win graciously. The junior experience is about all of these. Congratulations for taking up the tools and putting in the work. Also never forget that new friend you met from another state will be your friend for life. They may become your college roommate, heck they may become your forever roommate, so if you didn’t win a trophy, you may have won something worth much more.

NOW, turn to our next group and THANK them, you wouldn’t be able to do it without your…Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers and Sisters who also gave up their time and vacation to follow you to tie outs, tail you to the wash rack, listened to your speech 23 times, not to mention get your breakfast, find your lunch and supper, and brag on you and everything you ever did, whether you won or not. This group may not like to show as much as you do, they just quietly (for the most part) do things to make it easier for you to do what you like. Please thank them for being part of your junior life, without them you are just a kid showing your animal to the cats in the barn at home.

Now join with your Kids, Moms and Dads and give a pat on the back to….The multitudes of people, some paid but mostly volunteers who helped run the show, park the cars, move the scenery, print the programs, line up the cattle, judge the contests, score the contests, organize the million and one things that make this experience one in which you mostly have to only “show your heifer.” Most of these people are doing this on their vacation. What’s more, this isn’t the job they do every day so pat them on the back and tell them “Job Well Done” and Thanks for being here.

The world is going to need people who aren’t afraid to try. It’s going to need people who have seen both sides of competition and still compete. It’s going to need young people who LEARN THINGS, Let’s ALL be that kind of people.

We’ll see you down the road.

CONTACT THE AUTHOR

Mark A Smith
email: [email protected]
phone: 515-229-5227