Contagious Enthusiasm

   It seems that every time that I have my blog post about half way written, I hit a ‘writer’s block.’  I sit down time after time, and the words just don’t seem to come.  But, then I have an experience that inspires me to write something a little bit different, and the words just seem to flow.

   Last night I had one of those experiences.  Last night I attended the K-State Choir Concert to listen to my friend and former FFA member Claire Bokelman (who has an amazing voice, I might add) and instantly realized that there was something different about this group of singers.  It didn’t take long for me to figure out that it was due to their director.

   This lady oozed passion.  She obviously loved what she was doing, and, in turn, everyone around her loved what they were doing too.  Whether it was talking to the audience between songs, singing along with her group, or clapping enthusiastically for her student conductors, her excitement for her work was contagious.  Her choir, her student conductors, the audience… we all caught the ‘enthusiasm bug.’  This choir director LOVES what she does.

   It was then, in the middle of that concert, that I realized I wanted to be just like her.  No, I don’t mean that music or choir is my calling.  (I can’t carry a tune in a ten gallon bucket.)  But, I want to be so excited about what I’m doing that everyone around me can’t help but be excited as well.  I want to love what I do.

   In FFA, we have a lot of chances to do things that we truly love.  Whether our forte is livestock, public speaking, or math, there truly is a place for all of us to find our passions within this organization.  We all have the chance to love what we do.  I love putting on my blue jacket; I love Kansas FFA members (like Erie FFA members pictured to the right, who I ran into at National FFA Convention); I love the relationships and skills that FFA has helped me to develop.  I love FFA.  I love what I do.

   My hope is that we can all find something to do that we love.  Our lives are happening NOW, and the time will pass by whether we want it to or not.  Would we rather live our lives quietly in the background, or spreading excitement and passion like the K-State choir director?  Don’t be afraid to try something new—our organization has so many opportunities to get outside of our comfort zone.  We never know when we might just find that one thing that we LOVE to do.

Kansas FFA, love what you do!