Taking that test helped me to better understand who I am and accept some of the things I don't like about myself. I don't mean that I accept my tendency to sinful habits. What I mean is that we're born with characteristics that tend not to change. For example, having a shy, sensitive nature is like being born with brown eyes or curly hair - these traits are unlikely to change.
Too often, we view our in-born traits as weaknesses.
One important thing I learned from taking a personality test was this: I am a bona-fide introvert. This means that I get my energy from quietness. The majority of personalities energize from interaction with others. While I'm not too bad at socializing and love good conversation, this introvert label helped me to better understand a few quirky things about myself.
I used to feel apologetic about my need for time alone. I didn't know that I was born with this need even though I was aware of it even as a small child.
Even now, when I read of those who write books while raising half a dozen children or run organizations while keeping up a full calendar of other activities, I sometimes feel inferior. But, only for a moment. I couldn't tolerate that life.
The same God who etched our finger tips in unique patterns; the One who gave each of us vocal chords that produce sound waves that no one else can produce, eyes, teeth, ear lobes and numerous other features that no other living being on the planet possesses, has also gifted us with differing personalities.
Man-made tests show only a few personality variations but God sees them as plentiful as the stars.God helps us to understand ourselves and to accept the things about us that we can't change.
The Lord loves weird and wonderful you. Be yourself for His glory!
I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . . (Psalm 139:14)
Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge that I'm part of your amazing creation - me, in all my weirdness; me, in the depths of my heart where no one can see but you.
Rose McCormick Brandon's book, One Good Word Makes all the Difference is available here.
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3 comments:
Rose, thank you for this. I too am a bona fide introvert and it's taken me a long time to be okay with that. I get my energy from alone time, and I like to build relationships with individuals rather than groups. It makes it hard, sometimes to be a writer even though that is a stereotype. The truth is the networking is far more difficult than the writing, don't you think? I'm learning all about that these days, and it's been a very good stretching experience. Your encouragement was just what I needed to read this morning.
Crystal - I so identify with you that "the networking is far more difficult than the writing." Introverts don't like to drive in the self-promotion gear. It's not that it's too fast, it's just downright uncomfortable. Be yourself for Him!
Rose and Crystal, although quite outgoing I do have a private and quiet side. I too, find promotion and networking difficult.
That's in part attributable to the private side of me; but also my ineptness in the technical aspect means that cyber networking swallows up more time and energy than I'd like.
Thanks Rose for the encouragement to accept ourselves with the distinctiveness God has given to us. ~~+~~
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