It can be daunting, speaking at horse expos. Will there be 200 or 20 or 2 people in the audience? Presenting at 3 equine events this spring – the Can Am Expo, the Atlantic Horse Fair and the Centre Wellington Equine Trade show, I realized that the numbers of behinds in the seats can go up and down like a posting trot. 

And we can’t let public opinion get to us either way, can we? I can’t bask in the favour of standing room only and a line-up of questions afterward or get down on myself if people leave to get a hot dog just before I’m about to make my main point! 

This helps me gain perspective in the cycle of public opinion:

• Don’t let the applause get to my head.
• Be grateful for the many: when the hearers connect with what I say, and thankful when they tell me so.
• Deliver my material with enthusiasm and excellence for the few. Notice and value every hearer
• Remember I ultimately have an audience of one. I know God sees and appreciates when I do my  best and remain teachable.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Wise words inspired by Jesus, who was well acquainted with riding the roller coaster of applause.