Anatole Thibault, a famous French author, once said:
"To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream. Not only plan but also believe."
So I'd like you to dream with me and visualize the days of the 18th and 19th centuries in Canada and the United States and the time of an old-fashioned barn-raising. Picture a young family needing a barn, so very necessary to the future viability of their farm. Likely their first, largest and most expensive project. A project requiring so much help that an entire community would need to come together to raise that barn. Picture the advance preparation for lumber, hardware, ground preparation, meals, activities, cleanup and final celebration.
Visualize the people coming and working. Everyone with something to do. From one overseer to older experienced people as crew chiefs to younger people with less experience becoming assistants in critical roles, youngsters fetching parts and tools. People preparing food for several meals through the day, overseeing children. Any many other tasks and details.
And finally, at the end of the day, picture the barn. What a wonderful sight. See and feel the smiles, blackslaps, hugs, kisses and wiped brows. Tears of joy and celebration. Fellowship together.
An event of huge importance that would be paid forward again and again in that community over the years.
People coming together to achieve a common goal.
Sound link an Optimist club?
Most certainly!
What you do for children today is as necessary and vital as a barn was for that family. Don't ever let yourself forget that!
Helping more and more kids every day.
Barn raising is an example of great thisgs that can be accomplished through teamwork.
But beware the risk!
It's not always true when people say there is no "I" in team. For without the "Is" there is no team. Without you and you, there is no team. You must be the "I" that steps to the front of the line. The "I" that says "i'll help". The "I" that says "I will".
The "I" that says "if it is to be then it is up to me".
Do that again and again and set the standard.
Things will get started
Things will get done and done well.
There will be no end to the dream.
And you, my fellow Optimists, will accomplish great things.
Governor Darryl
Bozeman, August 2010
This is the text of the speech that Governor Darryl presented to our members who attended the District Convention banquet.
