November 17, 2025
Touched by the Ocean: The Power of Unseen Influence
"You may never see the ocean... never touch the ocean. But the ocean touches you every day." — Sylvia Earle
In the world of 4-H youth development, our work is like the ocean—vast, powerful, and often unseen. You may not always witness the full reach of your efforts, but every lesson taught, every youth empowered, every family supported sends ripples outward—touching lives in ways you may never fully know.
You are the quiet tide that lifts others.
You are the steady current that shapes communities.
You are the unseen force behind growth, resilience, and transformation of others.
Even when the impact isn’t loud, it is lasting.
Even when the recognition isn’t immediate, the results are real.
Even when the journey feels slow, the destination is meaningful.
So today, let’s pause to honor the quiet strength of your servant leadership.
Thank you for your patience, your persistence, and your belief in the potential of others.
Thank you for the way you show up—not for applause, but for purpose.
Your work matters.
Your presence matters.
You matter.
As we reflect on the many things to be thankful for, I wanted to say thank you for being the ocean in the lives of those you work with—calm, constant, and life-giving.