My Introverted Saturday

 

Here it is, Saturday once again, and I find myself nestled comfortably at home. I’ve never really been one to embrace the traditional Saturday routines, out and about town, shopping endlessly. No, not for me. Not that I don't enjoy doing those things, but I'd rather do it mid-week.  Before I married my second husband, I enjoyed having dinner get-togethers with my girlfriends, filled with laughter, good food.  We would spend Saturday nights singing our favorite tunes at karaoke bars. Those vibrant times now feel distant. Time has taken its toll; three dear friends have passed away, another moved to Nevada, and one to Kansas. The only friend still around is caring for her mother.  Life has changed, leaving behind echoes of what once was.

Within my soul, is the quiet yearning for the solace of home.  My heart is drawn to the comfort of my own space, where I can recharge and indulge in the simple pleasures of the day. I mean, for me, what could be better? 

I know, I know, BORING to most but not to me, I call it contentment. 

Then there is...

My extroverted social husband is always eager to be on the go, bustling from one adventure to the next. I must admit, it can be quite exhausting—not in a physical sense, but mentally.  As an introvert, my essence thrives on moments of quiet reflection, the comforting embrace of home, and the pursuit of creative or intellectual outlets. When I don’t carve out enough of this cherished downtime for myself, I begin to feel overwhelmed.

We complement one another, honoring each other's unique personality needs. He brings his strengths to the table, and I do the same, creating a balance in our relationship.

At church, I tend to embrace a "behind the scenes" role, preferring to observe and support from the sidelines, while my husband takes center stage. He immerses himself in the rhythm of the worship team, skillfully playing the conga drums and occasionally picking up other percussion instruments like the bodhran. He thrives in his element, immersed in what he loves, while I sit back, soaking it all in and enjoying the moment.

 What exactly defines an introvert? 

Introverts thrive on solitary reflection, valuing personal space and quiet over social interactions that may leave them drained. They prefer tranquil environments and the beauty of nature, excelling in deep thought. Their communication style is thoughtful, often weighing words carefully and favoring internal processing before expressing themselves.

This sentiment doesn’t imply that I harbor any dislike for people; rather, it reflects a fundamental difference in our social needs. While some thrive in the bustling energy of social interactions, I find them somewhat draining. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t revel in the warm companionship of their dog over that of other people? 

Okay, fine—perhaps those who aren’t fond of dogs or don’t have one of their own might disagree. You got me there!

I find it utterly fascinating how God intricately crafted each of us with our own unique personalities, including those who identify as introverts. Each individual's essence plays a vital role in the divine tapestry of life, serving His purposes in remarkable ways. In Ephesians 2:10, it beautifully states, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." God has designed every one of us with distinct gifts and temperaments, each tailored to fulfill the meaningful tasks He has envisioned for us. Our diverse personalities are not merely random; they are part of a master plan that calls us to contribute to the world in ways only we can.

I believe introverts, characterized by our reflective and contemplative nature, possess a unique ability to be used by God in truly profound ways, but are often overlooked by churches who want us all to be the busy-worker-bees-types and are missing out on what we introverts can bring to the table - our natural inclination toward listening deeply to hurting people without talking, and demonstrating empathy, and engaging in thoughtful prayer behind the scenes. You can always count on an introvert to pray!  In 1 Samuel 16:7, I'm paraphrasing here, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance of introverts who appear to them as withdrawn, shy, with no social skills, but the Lord looks at the heart." 💓💓

This paraphrased verse reminds us that introverts, like all believers, are not only cherished by God, but are also uniquely equipped to serve in His kingdom. Our quiet strength and ability to connect on a deeper level allow us to contribute in ways that are invaluable and extraordinary.

Famous Introverts

Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Meryl Streep, Harrison Ford, Vincent van Gogh, Maya Angelou, Marie Curie, J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, Dr. Seuss, Steven Spielberg,  just to name a few. 

Biblical Figures

• Moses: Often portrayed as reluctant to speak publicly, relying on his brother Aaron to address the people
• Mary of Nazareth: Described as contemplative and reflective, pondering events “in her heart”
• Paul: Known for his extensive missionary journeys and powerful letters, Paul showed many introverted qualities in his approach to ministry and teaching.

Tomorrow or Monday, I plan to delve into the fascinating world of extroverts. Did you know that approximately 50-70% of people worldwide identify as extroverts?  

So are you an Introvert or an Extrovert? 

Just for fun - https://introvertdear.com/introvert-extrovert-test-quiz/