As a young child the 100thday of school is a big deal. Celebrations happen in every classroom for this one special day of each school year. I remember Mrs. Bachamp telling us that we could bring a special treat or wear something that had to deal with 100. Now you all should know that in second grade I was the ‘cool kid’. I wanted to have the best, most spectacular outfit anyone had ever laid EYES on. Yes, I wanted all EYES on me on this one very special day. My mom and I worked diligently on my outfit and before long it was time to show it off. I got up for school that day and proudly put on my turtleneck that had 100 googly eyes glued to it. According to my dad I was the ‘cats pajamas’ (similar to ‘hot stuff’).
Back in elementary school I counted up to 100 days and now I’m counting down. This countdown is to my retirement as a state officer. In the past couple weeks I’ve been challenged to make every moment count. Today while visiting with Governor Brownback I asked him this question, “With your experience as a past state and national officer, what is something you wish you would’ve known or someone would have told you?” Governor Brownback’s response was very elaborate and wise but he summed it up well with a simple phrase, “Live in the moment”. What can living in the moment look like? I have 100 days to make the most I can with what I have left of my state officer year and how will I choose to live it?
Our lives can truly be as busy or as hectic as we would like to make them. Choosing what to pursue in life and what to leave in the dust can be challenging. I have 100 days to take full advantage of my elected position. How should I spend my time? How do I manage my time? What do I do to make the most of my time? These are a few of the many questions that have been popping into my brain. I finally got a simple answer when I opened my Franklin Covey (a planner) to Wednesday, February 12, 2014. It read, “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” –Alan Lakein. This quote is truly simple and can relate to agriculture and our daily lives.
Agriculturalists have brought the 2050 challenge into the limelight. By looking at the projected population now and realizing how much we need to grow food production and cut waste within the next 36 years, agriculture is going to be better prepared to feed the 9 billion people across the world. Just how agriculture is planning by bringing the future to the present, we can do the same for our lives.
In 100 days I want to know that I gave all 2400 hours my absolute best. I am planning now to be organized, efficient, and responsible in the time I have left to serve. God has given each and everyone of us talents to use on this Earth during the time that we have here. How will you use 100 days? How will you live in the moment? How will you bring your future to the present? The countdown is on and the timer is ticking. Don’t let your gifts and talents go to waste.
