Madilynn Wehmeyer

I had never thought that I would enjoy a barnwarming until I began as a state officer. Barnwarming at my home chapter was filled with dancing and chili, but I was not much of a dancer. Until, I found myself one night in November at the Area 7 barnwarming with a couple of my fellow state officers, and numerous members of this amazing organization. I walked in and was pleased to see a whole team of area officers decked out to match the barnwarming theme of  USA. From that point forward I knew this was going to be a great night. As each of the members walked in and they received beads to wear, the party was on. However, as I was going on about the night I couldn’t help thinking of all the other things I had to do the rest of the week. My homework, chores, taking my car to get new tires, work, so many things were distracting me. Thinking of just the future was taking me away from the present. I was out of the moment and missing out on the opportunity to visit and make memories with the people around me. Be present in the moment. These words are something I constantly have to say to myself. Way too often I believe we find ourselves focusing on the future. While it is important to think of our future, we must not forget to live in the moment. We only have so many moments and memories to make in FFA. So be present in your moments. Take advantage of the opportunities that FFA is offering you, whether that is new friends, a new skill, or a chance to step out of your comfort zone. Missouri FFA, be present in the moment. 

As I was leaving Camp Rising Sun for the last time, I had time to reflect on the experiences I had with all the people I met. I was given the opportunity to meet so many fellow FFA members from all over the state and make connections with them, learning about their chapters, their SAEs and even their personal stories. All of these opportunities made me think of the goal that the Week 4 state officers had set for ourselves going into our final week of FFA Camp – “Love them well.” Fast forward to the end of the week, there I am sitting with Don Koonce, a long time speaker at Camp Rising Sun. He is telling us about how someone very close to him had left him with the advice of making sure you leave this world knowing that you loved well. 

 I look back to the times in my life when I loved well and the times I didn’t. Whether it is loving ourselves and embracing who we are, loving others through the service we are able to give or loving others in accepting their differences. The word “love” has so much more meaning than we give it credit for. FFA Camp is just one of the many examples of opportunities in our FFA journeys we have the chance to love not only ourselves by trying new things or stepping out of our comfort zone to better ourselves, but also to love others by making friends and overcoming differences. My word of advice to you is to love in all things you do. You never know where it may take you, from growing as a person to growing the connections you have. FFA members, as you go through your journey in your blue jacket and even your life, leave knowing you loved well.