Written by Kason Kiser, NALJA Director

“There are 3 truths about destiny you need to understand. 1) You are not lost; you are being prepared. Every delay, every detour, every heartbreak is shaping the person you need to become…2) The path to success does not chase comfort. Growth only happens when you step into the unknown. The path will not be easy, but it will be worth it…3) Your purpose is never about you alone. It is about how your light helps others find their way in the dark. So, do not rush the process. You are exactly where you need to be… Keep walking, destiny awaits at the end of your path.” – Morgan Freeman

As I sat here contemplating what to write, I stumbled upon a YouTube video with Morgan Freeman’s iconic voice reciting the words listed above, and I started thinking just how different all of our journeys are. Some are just starting, while some are embarking on the final leg of the journey of their NALJA career. Some will start young and enjoy a long journey, while others of us will join the journey farther down the path. Some of us have a need for speed will take the interstate with a laser focus on reaching the destination as quickly as possible because their joy awaits at the end of the path. Others will prefer to take the scenic route, finding more joy in the journey than the destination. So, which is the better path? Well, that all depends on the individual on that particular journey.

Just 4 ½ years ago, the outlet for my competitive nature was a baseball field. I had never owned a cow. Baseball was my passion, and I truly thought it would pay my way through college on a path to become a Game Warden. Then fate arrived in the form of a broken wrist at the end of my 8^th-grade year, which would end my baseball journey.  At the time it seemed like a major roadblock, one without a detour at times. Then, I got my first show calf, and the journey simply re-routed to a new destination. A destination I do not even know yet.

That is the crazy thing about this journey of life; we are on a path to a destination that we do not even know. There is no Apple/Google Maps or Garmin to get us where we are going. When you reach that unexpected fork in the road, remember what Morgan Freeman said. The journey is never about you alone. Lean on your mentors to guide you, but also be on the lookout for those questioning the journey. Your light just might be the one that guides them to their destiny.

I, along with the rest of the NALJA Board of Directors, look forward to seeing you and mentoring you along the journey.  I know many of you will be reading this as 2026 is upon us.  The NALJA Board has been busy planning the 2026 year. Starting with the shows and sales at Cattlemen’s Congress and National Western Stock Show. If you are new to NALJA, please find a Board member and introduce yourself.

We also hope you will join us in Circleville, OH, July 3-9, Rockin’ With The Limis! The great folks in Ohio have a fun-packed week planned for us that you won’t want to miss, and we hope that some schedule adjustments make the week flow more easily for everyone. Deadlines for DNA submission, Board candidacy, etc, will be here before you know it.