Encouraging those around you

         Debbie and I watched Hollywood Week on American Idol on Monday night.
     As we watched the various performers and listened to the judge’s comments, I started thinking about how hard that would be to be a judge on show of that caliber.
     Some of the performers knocked it out of the park while others struggled and faltered.    What I noticed is some performers make too many excuses and then beat themselves up for missing it or not going on to the next round.
        Folks, that is life.
        Sometimes you have try again.
     Sometimes you have to go back to the drawing board and reevaluate and give it another shot.
        I pray for those folks that they find their purpose and fit in life.
       Anyway, I judge 4-H photography. I don’t begin to claim that my judging skills are on the same level as American Idol judges, because they are not.
       But they are important to the young people whose I judge.
       My goal in being a judge is to help young people improve.
      Some years ago I was asked to meet with 4-H’ers at the Grinnell Drake Library for a pre-county fair photo judging session.
       I worked with extension staff to give 4-H’ers tips on making better photos.
      This young 4-H member from Jasper County, who was in a Grinnell 4-H Club, brought me a photo of a herd of cows next to a barn.
     I scanned the photo with my eyes before turning to the young man and asking, “What is your focal point or subject?”
       I explained that he had a photo of all these beautiful cattle, but what makes it a good photo? What draws your attention to the cattle?
       I asked a little more about the cows and where he took the photo. Then I asked him to return to the barn and get close up of one of the cows and focus on that animal.
I could see that a light bult went off.
      He returned and brought home a beautiful photo of a cow chewing its cud, almost with grace.
      That photo won a blue ribbon at the county fair and then went on to win blue at the Iowa State Fair.
       It was a proud moment for me as a photography judge.
     Sometimes the key isn’t being the best or having the best, but giving your best in everything you do.
      It may not make the final cut, but what a proud feeling it is to know that you gave it your all.
Moving on
       I’ve been struggling with a number of health issues for almost a year now.
       To be honest, I’m getting kind of tired of it all.
    First, it was colon cancer and then I had a blood clot in my right leg during the summer months. And since last fall, I’ve been dealing with some back issues.
      Somehow I developed a bulging disk in my lower back and that has put pressure on my sciatic nerve. I’ve had a couple cortisone shots and I am currently going to physical therapy in Grinnell.
       It’s been slow going and I’m doing my best to push through the pain.
       I know that this too will pass.
       Better days are ahead.
     I encourage you this week to go out and give your best. Don’t settle for seconds. Learn from your experience and challenges and make the best of every day of your life.
And while you are at it, smile and encourage those around you.
       And if you have a few extra dollars, do something nice for someone else.
     Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.