“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is.” (Proverbs 15:33)
Looking back over the past few year, I am amazed at how far God has brought me. A lot of the things I was afraid of in life are fading away, one by one.
One of the main things I was always afraid of was people. Sounds strange, huh? I guess it has always been more of saying or doing the wrong thing that made me that way. I’ve always been so nervous around people; especially people I’ve just met. I’m introduced to someone, I smile ... and that is about as far as I could usually go. I would become tongue-tied or utter something incoherently.
Over the past few years, I’ve been forced to deal with a lot of people and, do you know what? Now, I talk to people first. I talk to people I’ve never met before standing in line at a store. I look forward to meeting new people.
I’ve finally realized, with God’s help, that people are just that — people. They all have the same fears, emotions and heart as I do. I enjoy people so much and even though I still trip over my words (because now I tend to ramble when I talk), I love talking with people.
Because of my past insecurities, I always try to remember to pray when I talk that people understand what I am trying to say even if I don’t say it right. Because that still happens a lot. I guess that’s why I enjoy writing so much more than talking. But, I have found so many people to be understanding, compassionate and, thankfully, have a sense of humor.
Opening up around people has been a big step for me and my life has been so enriched by it. I’ve discovered that next to God and my family, people are the greatest joy in my life.
Don’t get me wrong; I still worry about offending someone or saying the wrong thing and looking stupid. But now it doesn’t stop me from living and reaching out to and enjoying those around me.
So, as this year fades and a new one readies itself to dawn, I want to say thank you to my community for being so special. I know it has been a tough couple of years in this area economically and politically, but this is still a wonderfully blessed place to live because of all of you.
Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous and loving New Year to everyone.
Debra Robillard can be reached at drobillard@palltimes.com
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