BY MILES LAYTON

Praise be to God and thanks to you folks, our readers – THANKS!

I want to offer a word of thanks to everyone who contributed money to help buy glasses and support our venture of providing news about our small towns in Northeast NC.   

And I want to thank God – wow! 

Perhaps the hardest words to say are – I need help.

And I did need help – the prices of glasses have changed since the last time I got a prescription, probably over 10 years ago. 

So, planning to buy a pair of glasses, on top of paying for an eye exam, even with eye insurance, well, it can be tough, frightening, particularly when you’re counting pennies while waiting out the clock until school starts – when the teaching paychecks start rolling in. 

I didn’t want to ask for help. 

But here’s something I’ve come to know – learn. Trust in God – yes, that can be frightening when facing uncertainty, but a good relationship is built on trust. If you’re afraid, even when it’s natural to be afraid or experience anxiety, then perhaps that fear is a barrier to trust, love for God. And giving up control over your life to a higher power — that’s very scary, but it shouldn’t be.

Instead, it’s best to let go, pray and know that God loves you and that things will work out. That’s huge.

Doesn’t mean you don’t need to plan for life’s uncertainties. And it doesn’t mean that God is some sort of magic genie that grants wishes.

God answers prayers.  

And like a good teacher, God believes in each and every one of us, teaches lessons at every turn, always being patient with us but with a goal in mind.    

And the other thing – MaryScott Haigler – she writes “Another little something I love about Edenton” about people’s better nature and how they help their community. And that’s true – her columns show what’s good about human nature. Seeing folks’ generosity, well, it warms my heart – and I’m a cynical, jaded newsman.   

Glasses – I’ve gone through the exam – easier than it used to be – they do the drops and pressure tests differently, though still a frightening experience. Good news — I don’t have glaucoma or cataracts, and I can see!

Next, my wife used her tech magic to order a pair of glasses online and they should arrive next week. She bought a tough pair that can sustain getting hit in the head with a soccer ball or tripping over a tiny dog. 

I’ll say again — thanks to people near and far who contributed money to help buy glasses. Your support means we can continue our mission of providing news about our small towns in Northeast NC.  I want to believe that mission serves God.  

And I want to thank God for His grace, for this miracle – wow!