In Good Company

I have always been shy, especially when in a big group or public speaking setting. It seems the older I've gotten the more fear stricken I've become. I am praying for help in this area, as I don't want to miss opportunities of growth and I realize the importance of sharing with others. Like it says in this scripture...
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
-Matthew 5:15-16
I am fully aware of my weaknesses and my lack of sharing my light to it's brightest. We are all different and not everyone is on the same spiritual level, or has the same gifts. My brother Jeff hears the phone ring and actually hopes it's someone asking him to speak in church...that's not me nor will it ever be me. I'm no longer going to get down on myself for not being like my brother. Instead I'll keep trying my best to use the talents and attributes that I have been given, to serve my neighbors and share in ways that I can. It's not something others should judge, and yet that's exactly what I use to do. I would look at those who had this same struggle, and get so bothered with being told 'no they couldn't say the prayer', or 'no they didn't get their visiting teaching done' (or whatever) and judge it as laziness or an unwillingness to serve. I now realize just how wrong that was!
After having this 'epiphany' am I still judgemental of others? Um...YES! I wish I could say I wasn't but I have always liked having a good laugh and often times, it's at another persons expense. Far too often I find myself being quick to criticize or judge. I am going to try and be more aware of my tongue. This is something that has annoyed me about myself for a long time. It's been one of those repeated 'resolutions' every January, and yet I continue to fail. Last New Year's Eve, when I was telling my family of this resolution, I broke it with the very next sentence that came from my mouth. Sure we all had a big laugh, but I really do want to do better. After all, wouldn't we rather be in good company, surrounding ourselves with those who are positive and uplifting?

Here's another scripture I came across...

"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth...And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"

- Colossians 3:8,10

In this scripture we are told to rid ourselves completely of ill speaking and negative feelings and behave more Christlike. I've decided with His help I know I can do better, maybe asking daily for strength will make the difference. Why didn't I think of that before? :)