Last Friday night, The Torrance County Fair wrapped up with the Livestock Sale.  Our girls had a rodeo in Santa Fe, so after the sale, with the help of friends, we packed up our scattered fair paraphernalia and headed North.  The entire way to Santa Fe, I was trying to figure out, as a family, how we got so busy and what we could give up.  I never showed animals growing up.  (and I turned out ok!)  David said he showed a sheep once, it got turned out in the pasture and it became a walking sticker patch!  When it comes to giving things up, showing animals would be the first thing we would eliminate.  However, as I reflect on our fair, I cannot help but marvel at all the life lessons that it continues to provide us.

You win some, and you lose some.  No guarantees.  Even if you work hard, it doesn’t mean you will win. Losing is not bad, and if it weren’t for losers there would be no winners.  Everyone should know how to lose with grace. It builds character and teaches us where we need to improve. There is nothing better than watching these kids continue to improve year after year.

If you are willing to learn, there is always someone smarter than you that is willing to teach you.  The secret is being willing to learn. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The things that do not kill us make us stronger. Sometimes the hardest thing ever is getting out of our own comfort zone, pushing ourselves to do something we have never done before.  The earlier kids understand this the better off they will be.    

We shine when we are helping others.  Sometimes, it really does take a village to help a kid succeed.

It is awesome to watch someone who is passionate work, no matter what the work might be.

Agriculture is hard work, and knowing how to work hard will get you far in life.  

Sometimes, things just come easier to some kids.

Friends make life amazing. 

You do not always know what someone else is struggling with.  Be kind, we all have struggles.

I guess we won’t give up showing. Yes, showing animals teaches kids responsibility, however, if you are willing to look, there are so many other lessons that come with the fair. It is truly one of the most favorite weeks of the year for our kids. So I will continue to work on being a better “show mom” and embracing all the chaos that comes with this current Season of our lives. Thank you Julie Carter (for the good photos) and Torrance County Fair Board for all the lessons!