Welcome to the season of reflection. I hope this message finds you preparing for Thanksgiving.
We have all had a few minutes to reflect on the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo. Wow! I hope you shared the same excitement I did. My reflection took me back to 1982 and my first national convention as a member of Nicholls High FFA. While this chapter no longer exists, what does exist is the same feeling of exhilaration and enthusiasm. I vividly recall the goose bumps I felt when we all stood at the third rap of the gavel to recite the unison part of the official opening ceremony. Some 40 years later, I still feel the same inspiration. Thank you for bringing that excitement to Indianapolis.
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving celebration, allow me to share my gratitude to you, the FFA advisors. I am thankful for your years of service and dedication to your students and local communities. Accept my appreciation for the hours of education and advocacy you invest in promoting agriculture. I can only imagine how challenging the past two years have been. But please accept my plea to take some time to rest, relax and reflect. As you begin to wind down for the holiday, help lead your members through activities that help them start the process of showing thanks. Demonstrating gratefulness helps begin a chain of sharing and initiates a servant’s heart.
And this is what we all need more of during this Thanksgiving holiday!
Here by the Owl,
James
Dr. James Woodard
National FFA Advisor
