When you first get into showing, it is easy to focus on the big things. The banners, the big shows, the goals, the next animal. There is always another show to prep for, another goal to chase, or something that could be just a little bit better. It is easy to spend so much time thinking about what is next, that you forget to enjoy where you are right now. But showing goats is about so much more than the judge's handshake.

Showing goats is about the early mornings when everyone is running on very little sleep, the late nights getting goats ready, the long drives to the next show, and the conversations that somehow make the miles go by faster. It is laughing with friends in the barn, learning something from a breeder, helping a younger exhibitor get ready, or making a memory with friends that you will talk about for years to come. Those moments might not seem like much while they are happening, but they are usually the moments you end up remembering the most.

Sometimes, we forget just how blessed we are to even have these opportunities. We can get so caught up in the next show, or the next win, that we overlook the fact that we get to live in a country where we have the freedom to travel, compete, raise animals, chase our goals, and be surrounded by people who support what we love. There are so many things we experience every day that could easily be taken for granted. Having the opportunity to load up a trailer, travel across the country, walk into a show ring, and compete at any level is something worth being thankful for.

It is still okay to want the banner; we work hard for it. We spend countless hours prepping for these shows, and there's nothing wrong with being proud when that hard work pays off. But not every day is going toend with a banner. You can be genuinely happy for the person who won, while still wishing it had been you. Sometimes the lessons come instead of the banner. It is okay to be disappointed, learn from it, and then keep going. And when someone else gets the win, be the person who can genuinely celebrate with them.

One of the best parts of JABGA is that we get the chance to make this industry better for the juniors coming behind us. Answer the question, help someone get their goat ready, encourage the exhibitor who just had a tough class, and introduce yourself to the new family. You never know how much a small moment of encouragement might mean to someone. Through all of it, give God the credit. Thank Him for the wins, but also thank Him for the lessons. Thank Him for the animals, the people, the opportunities, the miles traveled, and even the days that do not go according to plan. Consider it all a joy. It is easy to ask God for the next opportunity and forget to thank Him for the one already in front of us.

Keep working hard, keep chasing big goals, keep showing up, but do not be so focused on what is next that you miss what is happening right now. Enjoy the little things, help somebody out, and be thankful for the opportunities you have been given. Because when the show is over, the banners will eventually collect dust,and the trailer will eventually get unloaded. What stays with you are the people, the lessons, the memories, and the moments you took the time to appreciate. Maybe that is the biggest goal of all, to work hard for what you want, thank God for what you have, and make sure you enjoy the journey along the way.

Lillian Hisel

Area 3 Board of Directors