What’s my purpose?

I believe that everything that we do, every experience we have, has purpose. Sometimes purpose immediately reveals itself in grand fashion, and sometimes purpose hides in the crevices of the mundane trivialities of what I facetiously refer to as “ordinary” life.

After almost two years of being office manager at The Weekly Vista, I’ve spent a great deal of time wondering what the purpose was for my being here. It has, without question, been my pleasure to serve and be a part of the Bella Vista family. I have enjoyed every smiling face, and I’ve sincerely appreciated every kind word said to me. I have gleaned knowledge from so many of you that I thought maybe that was the reason why I was here: to learn.

And I have learned a great deal. I’ve learned about the newspaper business from a couple of editors who make what they do sound so interesting that I can’t help but want to know more about it. I even got to learn a little about reporters and storytelling. Our reporters have consistently shown me that no matter how “sleepy” a place you think Bella Vista is, rest assured that there is always something going on around here.

I also learned about what Bella Vista really is. It’s a town where the people genuinely care about each other — the evidence of which can be seen in the community’s involvement with its churches, outreach programs and the overall citizenry, especially its veterans. It’s a city that has evolved from a vacation destination to one of the premier retirement locations in the country.

The most valuable lessons I have learned came from the people of Bella Vista. Your Letters to the Editor have been educational and always entertaining. I’ve been able to find something in each of one of them to take to heart. Your responses to my columns have always been encouraging and spurred me to discover more about myself so that I never run out of material. You show me every day that each moment life has to offer us is precious and fleeting. That we should make the most of the time that we are given, and I am grateful for that lesson.

For that reason, it is with mixed feelings that I announce that this is my last column as the office manager. I have accepted a position with another company and will have already started there by the time this column publishes, so this is my way of saying “farewell.” While I’ll certainly miss

everyone at the paper and in this little village, I’m excited about what the future holds for me as I continuously endeavor to discover more purpose in my own life.

I don’t like goodbyes, so I didn’t tell very many people who walked into the office that I would soon be leaving, but there are a few people I’d like to mention here.

• Kent, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a member of this family. Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to put my thoughts in print to be shared with the public. Your help and encouragement has meant the world.

• Art Hamilton, keep doing what you’re doing. You were one of my favorite people to see every week (so long as we didn’t talk about politics).

• Claudia Lawson, though we only officially met once, I’d be glad to call you a friend. You have been so kind, and your honesty has helped me grow as a writer.

• Jo Higginbotham, you have a brilliant mind and provided a fresh stance on communication that I sorely needed and still utilize today. Thank you for helping me to see the “color in her words.”

I wish you all the best, and I hope to see you soon.

Robert Honeycutt is the former office manager at The Weekly Vista. The opinions expressed are those of the author.