Recently I did a search on Christian introvert, just to see what would come up. It was mostly blog posts, and it was interesting to see what a few had to say. Here are some thoughts on the subject spurred by my reading.
Being an introvert may determine how you prefer to use your time--for example, staying home to reading a book rather than going to a party. However, it does not determine what you do with that time. Extrovert or introvert, we can use our time well or waste it.
Also, being an extrovert doesn't necessarily mean that you have more meaningful relationships. Nor does being an introvert mean that you are a hermit. Rather, it just means we relate to people differently. And just like using time well or not, we can spend our energy meaningfully in relationships or not.
Introverts and extroverts can be good balances for each other. Introverts can help ground extroverts, and extroverts can help us introverts not to be too serious. I enjoy being around someone who is outgoing, who makes me laugh, who has the energy and inclination to create enjoyable gatherings. I also enjoy quiet and intimate time with those I love, having deeper conversations and heart sharing.
Rather than using our make-up to excuse our shortcomings, as is so easy for all of us to do, let us allow this knowledge of ourselves help us to serve and invest in the lives of others. For me it means learning how to reach out from a place of solitude, balancing social and quiet time so that I am making time for relationships in my life. It also means paying attention to people who cross my path to see where God is opening a door for relationships; and for those who just pass by, how even those momentary contacts can be substantive. May God give me grace to be an intentional introvert.
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