My husband has been trying to get me to write a blog for several years.  I didn’t fear people not agreeing with me.  I feared people not caring what I had to say.  The opposite of love isn’t hate – it’s indifference.  And I’ve been afraid of indifference.

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to hear my new favorite author speak at our local Grand Rapids library.  Wade Rouse read from his newest book, It’s All Relative.  In it, he chronicles stories of his families’ holidays, many funny, but others sad.  He puts everything out there, leaving it all on the table.  While I listed to Wade speak, I wondered what it was like to put your intimate secrets, embarrassing moments, and biggest fears out there for the whole world to read, comment, judge…or simply not care.  But looking around the room, I saw women wiping tears from their eyes as Wade shared one particularly moving essay, I heard the room explode into laughter with some of his funniest memories, and I felt the love that people who had never met him felt for him because he had been strong enough to share.

So, I’m sharing something more personal with all of you this Monday morning.  Last week, my job was eliminated.  Of course, it was a very emotional week and I didn’t know if I should share it on here or not – this certainly has nothing to do with entertaining.  I’ve always been a fairly private person with my personal life and this felt like too much to share.  But, I remembered the reading I’d attended and thought how uplifting it must be to know you have so much support.  So many people caring about you.  And so here I am, sharing this moment of my life with anyone who would like to listen.  The next days, weeks and months will certainly be a new chapter for me as I look for a position that utilizes my skills in writing, event planning and customer relations, but I’m so thankful to have the support I’ve gained here.  People who come to see what I have to say.  People who care about my ideas and opinions.  I’m so appreciative to have that, especially now.

And now, my blog readers, I ask you to keep This Nest is Best in mind if you have any real parties that need planning.  If you have blog posts you need written.  If you have clients or customers that need attention.  But mostly, I ask that you simply continue coming here to read my posts and show that you care.

Best,
Rebecca