With nine people in my household at one point, laundry was one of my biggest jobs on a regular basis. Just to keep on top of things, at least two days a week were devoted to sorting, washing, folding and when I could put off no longer, ironing. As you can imagine, laundry was a never-ending chore.
On more than one occasion as I stood over a lump of clothes piled high on my dining room table, I may have lamented on the number of hours of my life I was “wasting” on laundry. Hours which could have been spent on...oh, I don’t know...learning to cha-cha or writing the next great American novel or mastering my French accent.
But then my husband noted wisely - which he does every so often - I should see laundry as a blessing. I get to do laundry because I have been blessed with seven healthy children who are active and get their clothes dirty. I get to do laundry because we have enough money for clothes for all of them to get dirty. I get to do laundry using a washing machine rather than schlopping down to the creek to rub the clothes between two rocks. Instead of focusing on what was wrong, I could instead be grateful for what was good.
Of course, I don’t remember if he shared this bit of wisdom as he was in the kitchen doing dishes or if he shouted it from the living room where he was watching TV. Regardless, it was a good reminder that a positive perspective on your situation can drastically alter your mood, can change how you feel about what you are doing, and can determine how you move forward in your life.
By simply switching from the attitude of “have to” do something versus “get to” do something can cause you to view the situation in an entirely new light.
For example, McCook’s Heritage Days celebration is quickly approaching at the end of the month, which of course means the Heritage Days Parade.
The thought of “having to” design and build a float may fill some with dread. Instead, you could think of it as an opportunity to “get to” show your creativity and flair. If creativity isn’t your forte, think of it as an opportunity to reach out to someone who is good with crepe paper and balloons and get them involved. Or view it as a chance to sample a variety of different candy to toss to the parade-goers. You don’t “have to” try every flavor of dum-dums lollipops; instead, you “get to” sample them all, just for quality control.
Side note: Several years ago, I crossed an item off my bucket list with a visit to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, so I am a bit biased toward parades and floats, but everyone should still consider entering a float in the McCook Chamber’s Heritage Days Parade at the end of the month.
What brought the concept to mind recently of switching from “have to” to “get to” was my involvement (for the fifth time) with the McCook Senior Parents, who have traditionally served food at the varsity football games as a fund-raiser.
When I took on the task at the last minute a few weeks ago, many wondered why I added to my work load. At a minimum, both my husband and I felt the food was a service to the community which needed to be continued. But it was also a simple opportunity that I “get to” do, not that I “have to” do.
As an added bonus, I am working with a great group of Class of 2022 parents who stepped up quickly to make the dinner happen on extremely short notice. None of these people “had to” do it. Instead, they chose to do it and eagerly joined in once everything got rolling. Not only was it a fun opportunity, I was grateful to be surrounded by both experienced and newbie parents, who chose to work hard both for their senior high students and for the community.
I realize not everything we do in our daily lives can be put in a positive light, but there are many opportunities to shift our thinking about the situation to an attitude of gratefulness, to celebrate what we do have rather than focusing on what we don’t, and to consider that we don’t “have to” do something - we “get to” do something.
Most likely, we aren't going to be good at something at the start. But that shouldn't stop us from trying.
August 2025 Volunteer of the Month Bruce McDowell can be found walking around McCook for his health, to be helpful or maybe even attend a meeting.
It takes work and effort to be social but its vital to our community.
McCook's young people are shaping their hometown through a various projects.
MCFF Summer Hometown Intern Natalie Roberts shares how her perspective on McCook changed over the past few months.
With the McCook Aquatic Center closing soon for the season, another tradition - Mr. Bill and his 25-cent snow-cones - will likely be coming to an end soon too.
McCook among five Nebraska communities in Revitalize and Thrive Program
Getting Outside of National Night Out Nearly everyone can tell you their last interaction with the police or the fire department. And unfortunately because of the nature of the organizations, it is usually not at a positive moment. My last contact with the McCook Police Department was just a few weeks ago, when I was pulled over on B Street in McCook…on my scooter. I pulled into the wrong lane when making a turn, which is illegal. But in my defense, it was an act of self-defense to just get through the intersection of East B and Sixth streets alive. Since the drivers haven’t seen a stop-light since Holdrege, cars and semis regularly run the traffic light, which makes me a wee bit vulnerable as I pass through the lanes. I got off with a warning but the true punishment were the texts throughout the day from everyone who saw me with my scooter and the police officer. Since most exchanges with police and fire are not on good terms, National Night Out was created to have an evening of positive interactions, to remind the public that the police and fire departments are just normal people, doing their jobs, looking out for their friends and neighbors, trying to create a safe community for everyone. National Night Out is designed to simply join your friends and neighbors for an evening of fellowship and fun. It is an opportunity to meet local law enforcement, creating safer and more caring neighborhoods. McCook is joining thousands of other communities across the country in hosting National Night Out, which typically takes place on the first Tuesday of August every year. Planned for Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. in and around Norris Park in McCook, the night includes a bike parade, a walk, awards for bike decorating, desserts and more. In other words, it is simply a block party to hang out. Numerous organizations have come together to make the evening possible. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the McCook Rotary Club are hosting a bike parade that starts at 6 p.m. Linda Maiden with State Farm, a bicycle helmet advocate, will also be in Norris Park. The streets around Norris Park will be shut down to provide a safe area to ride, as well as more space to cruise around the block. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike, scooter, roller skates or anything on wheels. This could mean streamers, pompom balls, markers or even the old classic - playing cards in the spokes of your wheels. Some supplies will be available at the park for use if you show up and realize you are the most underdressed person at the party. If your bike has an inch of dust on it, this is a great time to get it out, wipe it off and get it rolling. And if your bike needs minimal fixes like a flat tire or a brake adjustment, bike tools will be on hand along with myself and my hubbie, who know just enough about bike repair to be dangerous but did manage a 300-plus mile bike ride last week so we must be doing something right. But let’s say you don’t have a bike or biking isn’t your cup of tea? Then you are still encouraged to join the “Walk in the Park,” hosted by Community Hospital. Designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle, walkers will stroll around the park and the neighborhood at whatever pace you feel like with strollers and dogs on leashes welcomed. And perhaps most importantly, there will be a chance to meet members of the McCook Police and Fire Department, getting to see police cars and fire engines close-up in a non-emergency manner, always the best way to see them. And if the weather cooperates, there may be a fire hose, water and spraying involved. If you have been at the Culbertson Fourth of July parade, you know it is up to you to stay out of the line of fire if you want to remain dry. We all have excuses for why we don’t want to go out at night, especially after a long day at work. But National Night Out in McCook on Aug. 5 is a great reason to get out your bicycle and lace up your walking shoes. Hang out with your friends, get to know your neighbors and meet your first responders. That is what makes our communities just a little bit better.
Judy McCune named July 2025 McCook volunteer of the month
Joyce Anderson named June 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
