Figuring out how much to prepare and which stories to share is the hard part. One presentation is for 40 minutes, another 30 +15 minutes for questions, all the way down to a 3 minute spotlight. Figuring out what to say and actually saying what you wanted to say in the time you have has been an interesting challenge, especially as I have a tendency to talk A LOT about what I love!
But it's also been a season of growing in humility. I know I love speaking in public, of having people's attention and sharing with them what I'm passionate about. But afterwords, when I'm hanging out next to my cardboard display board and newsletter sign up, I feel disconnected and can find myself wondering why people aren't talking to me. Did I say something wrong? Did I do something that makes them avoid me? Am I approachable or do I look uninviting?
And then I remember the conversations I do have, the people who talked to me, asked me questions, and the kids who smelled the rose oil I brought. I'm reminded that God is with me, whether I my witty, winsome, and wonderful talk is all that or if I stumble, stutter, and shake as I speak. It's for His glory, not mine, that I have stories to share. When I look to Jesus, I can joyfully speak for His glory and let go of my pride. Humility is great, because it pushes me to cling to Jesus.