“What if I”… A New Year
1/3/2012 -by Charles Frerich
A new year is a time of new beginnings, reflections on what
happened the previous year and of course the New Year’s
resolutions. I was listening to a speaker the other day and he
made a comment that really struck me as a thought provoker. He
said three words, “What if I”. If you think about these words
your mind should go in one of two directions, What if I had and
what if I do. “Had” referring to if I would have done something
and “do”, referring to if I will do something.
I look back on my year and there are lots of “What if I” moments
come to mind. What if I had said “I love you” a few more times.
What if I had spent a little more time in prayer? What if I had
stopped to help that person? What if I had taken more time to
practice my music? What if I picked up after myself more? Would
it have made a difference? Could I have made someone else’s life
better? I may not have solved all the world’s problems but it
has to start with you and me.
So many “what if” moments occur and our decision to react or
not, is a path that is an individual decision. This last year of
drought makes me wonder, what if I had kept that rain from
running out of my field would I have had the extra moisture to
yield a few more pounds. What if I had preserved some of the
crop litter to protect the soil would I have shielded the soil
from the sun’s rays and harsh winds. What if I had sold the
stock sooner and left some grass on the pasture to slow runoff
and hold the soil when it does rain. What if I had killed those
mesquite trees when they were small and not let them get ten
feet tall?
So this next year what if I made a conscious effort to notice
things that I can do to make someone smile or feel better? What
if I took the time to make myself better? What if I did get
involved in my community or church and make a difference? What
if I contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service and ask
for assistance.
This year, 2012, will be an interesting year with elections
coming and the critical state of the economy. We can only hope
and pray that the drought will end and we can get some runoff to
fill our lakes. So in closing I want to wish you a happy and
prosperous new year and a year filled with, will I do, and less
of the, what if I had. See you next time “On the Level”. For
more information you can contact the Natural Resources
Conservation Service or contact me at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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