Prairie Spirit

Made a stop to watch my niece and the horse events at the 4-H Fair yesterday.  It was a bonus to meet people like Norm and Mary and Payton and Parker and Brinley.

When they were in 4-H, Mary says she enjoyed sewing and cake decorating, and Norm recalls several events, including the chance to show a steer or two.  Even though none of their children, grand-children, or great grand-children are participating in this year’s local fair,  Mary and Norm come every year to watch the kids learn and compete, and to support their community.

In that same spirit, they made sure I knew there would be a concert at the park that evening.  They would be there, of course!

Couldn’t help but talk to them and recall the 4-H pledge:

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking,

My heart to greater loyalty,

My hands to larger service,

and my health to better living,

for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

Although it’s always a little bittersweet to see a fair wrap-up, there are others we meet who remind us that positive, enthusiastic spirit carries through time and generations.

Thanks to 4-H participants, supporters, and all those who generously lend their heads, hearts, hands, and health to their communities!