Finding Joy in Pause

In this heartwarming holiday episode of The Extension Connection, Jessica Jackson reflects on the beauty of slowing down during the busy season and appreciating life’s simple gifts from family traditions to small acts of kindness. Join her as she shares personal stories of motherhood, 4-H service projects, and the joy of giving back. A reminder that the true spirit of 4-H — learning, serving, and growing — doesn’t end with the holidays. It’s about carrying gratitude, compassion, and courage into the new year and beyond.

Transcript

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Hey y'all, and welcome back to the Extension Connection Podcast. I'm your co-host, Jessica Jackson, and today we are diving into something that's been on my heart, especially this time of year finding joy in the pause. If you're anything like me, this season can feel like a whirlwind. We go from one event to the next school programs, community parades, family gatherings, and before we know it, the whole month is gone. It's exciting. But if we're honest, it can also be a little exhausting. And when life gets that busy, it's easy to forget to slow down and soak in the little things, those simple gifts that make this time of year so special. Now, this season has always been one of my favorites. There's just something about it, the smell of fresh baked pies and casseroles, the glow of Christmas lights shining in the windows downtown. The sound of kids laughing as they decorate cookies or hang ornaments on the tree. Even the leaves changing colors feels like nature's gentle reminder that the holidays are right around the corner. But I'll tell you what, I didn't really understand the importance of slowing down until I became a parent two years ago. These days, I see the world through my little one's eyes, and everything feels brand new again. Just last week. She helped me bake cookies for the first time. Now, they weren't in perfectly round. Some were more creative than others, but her giggle and that big proud smile while she rode the dole into balls, that's a memory I'll treasure forever. And next weekend. I'm so excited about this because we're gonna be putting up our Christmas tree and I cannot wait to see her face as she helps decorate. Moments like that remind me. It's not about the presence that you get to unwrap or that you buy for others. It's about the presence of being there. It's the time we spend with our family and friends. The laughter around the dinner table and the joy found in the simple everyday thing. This season more than any other always makes me stop and think about how blessed we are because while many of us are enjoying traditions gatherings, there are others who might be facing tough times, maybe missing someone they love or working hard just to make ends meet, and that's when the true spirit of the holidays shine the brightest when we give instead of receive. Our Polk County Teen Council really captured that spirit this year for their service project. They decide to sponsor children for Christmas. And y'all, I can see this turn into an annual transition. Not long ago we hosted a four H Christmas stocking. So in workshop, and after that class, I got the bright idea why not make handmade stockings for each of the children We are sponsoring. Well, one of our team council members had just taken the class and when I asked if she'd be willing to come help sew stockings for the project, she didn't even hesitate. She was excited to help and said yes. Now, it might sound simple, a handmade stocking, a few small gifts, but it's so much more than that. It's love stitched into every seam. It's time, effort, and heart poured into something that says you matter. You're seen your love, and I believe that's the kind of lesson that sticks with four Hs long after the holidays are over. That brings me to a little advice I want to share, especially for our four H families, youth, and volunteers, and our community. The holidays are the perfect time to think about others, but that spirit of kindness doesn't have to end when the Christmas tree comes down. Lately I've been planning a class on gift giving. Not the store-bought kind, but those simple from the heart gestures, baking cookies, making a bread mix in a jar, writing a note to someone who's had a tough time. Those little things go such a long way. Sometimes just reminding someone that they're cared for can change their whole day and you know, we all get comfortable. Sometimes we settle into our routines doing what we've always done. But one of the most beautiful things about four H is how it nudges us to step outside that comfort zone, to try something new, to meet new people, to serve in ways we've never served before. Sometimes that's joining a club for the first time, giving your first public speech or leading a service project. And let me tell you, it's not always easy. Even after all these years, I still get nervous speaking in front of a crowd. But Thankful for FFA and other clubs and sports I was involved in. Growing up, those extracurricular activities taught me how to turn these nerves into confidence. I'll be honest, even now, I'm still learning and growing as an individual. I never thought I'd pick up a sewing needle until I started working in Extension, but being able to work with the four H program, I've learned so much. Sewing may not be my favorite task, but I have found real joy in learning new projects, especially when I get to teach'em to the youth and when I watch their faces light up when they create something with their own two hands, that's what four H is all about. Helping young people grow into confident, caring, capable leaders who know that they can make a difference, whether it's at home, at school, or in the community. They're learning that even the smallest act can have a big impact. So this holiday season, I want to challenge all of us youth, parents, volunteers, our community, and even myself to carry that spirit of giving in gratitude all year long. Maybe that means checking on a neighbor who lives alone, volunteering at the food pantry, or taking time to listen to, someone who just needs a friend. Those moments don't just bless others. They shape who we become. When our young people learn early, that service and compassion matter. It becomes part of who they are. They grow up to be the kind of leaders who look for the good who lift others up and who make our community stronger. So as we move through this busy, beautiful holiday season, take a moment to pause, look around, appreciate the laughter, the warmth, and those simple gifts that money can't buy. Because sometimes the real magic of the season isn't found in the big things. It's in the quiet, thankful moments, which almost overlook. I want to wish you and your family a joyful, peaceful, and. Wonderful holiday season full of gratitude, growth, and giving. Until next time, I'm Jessica Jackson reminding you to slow down, step out of your comfort zone, and always find joy and pause.