Not to say that I have amassed an overwhelming degree of wisdom concerning matters intrinsic to the human condition, but I do think I’ve learned at least a few things over the years about change.

First and foremost, I tend not to like it too much.

I know I’m not alone in this; I think an unscientific poll of your home or office would reveal that most people’s reactions when faced with a significant change — job, relationship, lifestyle or otherwise — is at least a certain degree of uncertainly, if not plain old-fashioned fear.

This, to get right to the point, is precisely what makes the recent public input into the Comprehensive Plan process so interesting.

The county is changing, rapidly, and no one needs a newspaper editorial to tell them that. While this has certainly been the cause of much hand-wringing by some who would have us halt growth completely (just how I have not quite figured out) or slow it to an imperceptible trickle, there have also been quite a few in the county who have decided to dedicate themselves to helping shape what this community will look like five, ten and even twenty years from now.

They are taking part in work groups and engaging in spirited debate about issues ranging from what is to be done about the 288/Route 711 area to the best ways to attract tourism.

The change is coming, they seem to be saying. Now how can we make it work for us?

This is not to say that the recent public meetings concerning the County’s Comprehensive Plan revision have been overrun, or that the Citizens Working Groups find themselves in need of a bouncer and a velvet rope.

It is simply to point out that those who would characterize us as a bunch of closed-minded country folk, waving at progress with a torch and a pitchfork, have a lot to learn.

Powhatan County Supervisor Joe Walton said he has seen the genuine curiosity and concern from those who have attended the last few meetings held to gather citizen input on the new plan.

The groups have been small, but “[t]hey are coming in genuinely ready to listen and learn,” said Walton. “And that’s refreshing.”

What’s more, they are leading by example. And that, as has been said by many a person much wiser than I, may be the best way of all to create a positive change.