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By Shelly Mayer, PDPW Executive Director
My work load was particularly heavy that morning and so was my heart. The holidays were quickly approaching, expectations swirled around, snow was piled everywhere on the farm and deadlines loomed. Middle-schooler Dylan was milling around the kitchen getting ready for his day.
“Hurry and get your boots so you’re not late for school,” I advised as I threw together the day’s lunch.
Dylan disappeared, and before long I heard the strangest and most startling sound—the clunk, clunk, clunk of Dylan’s feet as he hurried down the stairs in his size 13 cowboy boots. No pitter patter of little feet here, I almost muttered.
Then I stopped and listened. Just doing that was enough to jolt me back to remembering why I do what I do every day.
This year has served up enough pressure on all us dairy families—from the weight of financial decisions to the noise of industry issues. We can let it get to us, or we can remain strong and focused.
Really, underneath those pressures, some things have not changed. We are still caring for our cows and nurturing nature’s circle of life as we always have. There are still little feet coming to gather around the tree this season, bringing everyone and everything that matters to us together.
I could let those clunks of Dylan’s feet get me down as I think about the swift passage of time or worry about our future. The pace of change in our industry is tough to keep up with. We can get so busy trying to keep up, trying to stay afloat, that we forget why we do what we do.
When this happens to you, I invite you to do what I did. Carefully listen. Underneath those big clunky boots was the pitter-patter of little feet. The next generation, dependent on my faithful service and example, growing into a voice of its own.
Our example speaks volumes: Will we become unglued by the noise and pressure around us? Will we convey in our tired faces and attitudes that this profession has no joy?
I believe in the profession of dairying enough to keep serving every day, to find the joy, and to share it with others. Won’t you join me? I hope I see you at a PDPW event this coming year, so we can help each other focus on what really matters and maintain the joy and professionalism in our dairy industry.
As I reflect on this year, I am more thankful for those around my tree than for what is under it. I resolve to listen for what really matters in the year ahead. For then I will keep my focus and enjoy each day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
This column appeared in Agri-View on 12/23/10 and is posted here with permission.
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