Make the best of it…

It was the county fairgrounds in Vernal, Utah in 1999.  I was with my son’s Westernaires’ team.  They’re a traveling, equestrian, performance, drill team of teenagers and we were there for the Vernal Dinosaur Days Rodeo.  It was July and it was hot! 

Temperatures in Vernal, Utah can reach 110º and even higher during July.  I’m pictured along with 3 other Dads.  We were volunteer “Barn Men”.  Our job?  Sleep in the barn overnight with 75 or so horses that traveled with my son’s team.  We were making the best of it. 

Throughout the day, in between performances, we stayed out of the sun and tried to stay as cool as possible.  The barn wasn’t air conditioned.  Maybe horses are used to 100+ degree heat.  Dad’s?  Well, thankfully, we found a kiddy pool at the local Walmart to soak our feet and decided to follow Charles L. Bromley’s advice:

Why not make the best of things?  Any fool can make the worst of them.

During the kids’ were performances, we were out there in the sun with them.  Helping with costume changes; being in the arena if a horse spooked; making sure the kids (and the horses) stayed hydrated in the heat. 

When they asked me to be a volunteer, Barn Dad, I said, “I don’t know anything about being with horses in a barn overnight.”  Their response was, “That’s OK.  The horses do.” 

So, there I was.  Sleeping on a cot in a barn with a herd of horses overnight.  It wasn’t hard.  The kids made sure the horses were fed and watered before they turned in.  They slept in the gymnasium at a local school.  My wife was one of several parents who chaperoned the boys and girls on the Westernaires traveling team.                                                                                   

I bet you’ve been in those situations, too.  Maybe a company dinner with your spouse.  You don’t know anybody and all they talk about is business.  But there you are – smile on your face, beverage (or plural) in your hand, making the best of it. 

It’s very satisfying to look back and remember doing something nice for someone you love, true?  It could be as simple as cleaning the bathroom, making the bed, running to the grocery store, or emptying the dishwater.  All those little things can make a big difference. 

And if you’re asked one day to sleep in a barn with your child’s horse, don’t worry.  Just make the best of it.  The horse knows what to do and it will be worth it! 

GAP 

When life gets tough we could get a helmet… or… we could leverage the peace and share the power of a positive perspective.