When I was in 4th grade, I thought 12th graders were adults (full of worldly knowledge and confidence). When I had cancer, I thought doctors had all the answers (having no question about just what to do). When I saw Barbara Streisand in concert, I thought she must love being on stage in front of thousands of people (loving the limelight and attention). I was wrong each time.

The truth is, just about everyone else out there has the same fears, thoughts, questions, and worries. The differences are our perspectives, and what we do about all those feelings swirling around in our heads.

12th graders are weird. Doctors worry. Barbara Streisand has stage fright.

Our assumptions about others are rarely right on. The same should be said about others’ assumptions about us. And when we’re making assumptions about everyone else, it’s impossible not to include our own self-assessment in those equations. (They are so much cooler than I am. They are so much smarter than I am. She is so much more comfortable on stage than I am.) Not likely by the way.

Perspective and action. That’s a big part of what sets us apart. We all have our issues.

As country star Billy Currington sings, “…God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.”

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