We're all someone. We all have likes and dislikes and types of clothing we like to wear and music we like to listen to. We each have a unique personality that allows our friends to go, "I saw these shoes at the mall that looked so totally you."
We all enjoy being 'ourselves."
Last Sunday the pastor of my church preached a sermon that I liked a lot. In it, he compared our personalities, our likes and dislikes, who we are as people inside and out to being our "houses." As humans, we like to think we own our houses. We like to think we sit on a big fat piece of land in a nice house and say, "I own this, this is me." But, as my pastor said, we don't actually own any of it.
God has the keys to your heart if you've accept Him as your Lord and Savior, but God also wants the keys to your house. He wants every bit of furniture in every room. And, myself included, when you hear this you don't like it. I like being myself, I'm me, this is my house, I built it.
But none of us built our own houses. God did, from the foundation to the chimney. We don't have a right to throw Him out the front door and say, "I built this, get out." He wants His keys back, and things get so much easier when you hand them over, because He'll help you with the upkeep. When your house starts falling apart, when a storm comes, God'll be there to help you with repairs. But first, you have to surrender your housekeys and let God into every room. Every closet. Every cupboard. Don't close any doors, don't go, "Oh, not that closet, that's my stuff." Or, "Please don't go in there, I'm ashamed of what's inside." Those latter doors are the one that you should leave wide open for God, for He's the only one who can clean out and remodel it. It may be embarrassing and shameful, but don't worry, God understands. It may hurt to show Him these private rooms, but it will hurt only as thorn hurts as it being pulled out.
It's hard to give up control of things, we as humans like to be in charge of ourselves. But, if you think about it, this isn't even our permanent house. Soon it would will crumble and rust away and we'll move into a perfect mansion in Heaven, and since that's eternal, how much do our earthly dwellings really matter?
God wants every part of us. All of it. He wants every door wide open. He gave you a wonderful house to live in it, so live in it, don't try to own it. Really, so much stress goes away when you give Him everything. He wants to fill your house with peace and joy, so why not let him?
Giving up control is hard, but things get easier after that. So try it. I have faith that you'll see the blessings immediately.
^(OvO)^
“Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight, For the greatest tragedy of them all, Is never to feel the burning light”
Showing posts with label personalities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personalities. Show all posts
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Extroverts, Introverts
Sometimes I feel like I'm split. I'm neither an introvert or extrovert, but somewhere in between. When I'm with people I'm comfortable with and know, I'm a complete extrovert and am completely comfortable with myself and other people (friends and strangers). However, when I'm on my own in some new social situation, I'm totally shy, and I just want to curl up in the corner with a sign that says, "I DON'T EXIST."
It's because of this I feel like I have a general idea of what both an introvert and an extrovert feel.
I have absolutely no qualification to say what I'm about to say, this is pure observation/personal experience. Feel free to chuck anything that isn't applicable to you out the window, because after all, this is me, and you are you. But, for what it's worth...
Extroverts,
when you're in the that "zone," where you're in a social situation and utterly owning it, sometimes it's hard to remember or admit to that kid in the corner who's clearly uncomfortable and probably not having a very good time. And even if you go over and talk to them, it's usually a one-sided conversation.
You have to remember introverts despise small talk. I'm sure you're telling a very interesting story about when you fell off your skateboard but they're probably sitting there going, "Oh gosh now I have to make a witty comment back what should I say what can I say someone help me please." (at least, that goes for me). They'll probably just laugh awkwardly, force a smile, and say, "Cool."
So, instead of forcing you're (most likely wonderful, but slightly intimidating) self onto an introvert, try taking it slow. If you're with friends that all know each other, and someone's an outsider, try to make space in the social "circle," and keep the conversation away from talking about past memories or laughing over inside jokes. If you're talking about a certain subject, try asking the introvert, "So, what do you think?" and make sure you respond to their response. Let them know you want to get to know them better, and aren't just being polite (something I find as an introvert is when people are just being polite, I feel there is no need to "get close" with them so I just give up and speak as little as possible).
And remember, introverts like little tastes of society and then alone time. If they want to leave, don't stop them. And above all else, just take it slow. Introverts hate to be overwhelmed.
Introverts,
how easy it is to hide yourself from the world. But, please, don't do that. Don't hide behind your shyness. It's very hard for an extrovert to include you in a conversation when you don't at least try to participate. Give them something to work with. I know it's hard, but try actively taking a small social risk. Jump into a conversation. The worst that will happen is an embarrassing moment, and in the long run saying something stupid never killed anyone. Everyone, deep down, is just as uncomfortable as you, some people just ignore that feeling better then others. There's nothing wrong with being shy, just don't let that shyness rule you. Open your mouth and give your opinion, introduce yourself to a random stranger once and awhile. Really, there isn't any damage you can do that is long lasting or irrevocable.
Also, whenever I see that one popular kid who just looks so happy with all his tight circle of friends I feel so hopeless. How can I ever say hello to a group of people so tightly knit? They clearly don't want another friend, much less me.
Just know, that is not true.
Just because someone who goes around with a close-knit group of friends, they're always on the lookout for a new one. Just because they know some people really well, it doesn't mean I don't want to know you really well. Everyone enjoys meeting someone new.
Don't hide, try, just once, letting your hair down. Sure, you might embarrass yourself, but you might get a reward much greater then you could've imagined.
^(OvO)^
It's because of this I feel like I have a general idea of what both an introvert and an extrovert feel.
I have absolutely no qualification to say what I'm about to say, this is pure observation/personal experience. Feel free to chuck anything that isn't applicable to you out the window, because after all, this is me, and you are you. But, for what it's worth...
Extroverts,
when you're in the that "zone," where you're in a social situation and utterly owning it, sometimes it's hard to remember or admit to that kid in the corner who's clearly uncomfortable and probably not having a very good time. And even if you go over and talk to them, it's usually a one-sided conversation.
You have to remember introverts despise small talk. I'm sure you're telling a very interesting story about when you fell off your skateboard but they're probably sitting there going, "Oh gosh now I have to make a witty comment back what should I say what can I say someone help me please." (at least, that goes for me). They'll probably just laugh awkwardly, force a smile, and say, "Cool."
So, instead of forcing you're (most likely wonderful, but slightly intimidating) self onto an introvert, try taking it slow. If you're with friends that all know each other, and someone's an outsider, try to make space in the social "circle," and keep the conversation away from talking about past memories or laughing over inside jokes. If you're talking about a certain subject, try asking the introvert, "So, what do you think?" and make sure you respond to their response. Let them know you want to get to know them better, and aren't just being polite (something I find as an introvert is when people are just being polite, I feel there is no need to "get close" with them so I just give up and speak as little as possible).
And remember, introverts like little tastes of society and then alone time. If they want to leave, don't stop them. And above all else, just take it slow. Introverts hate to be overwhelmed.
Introverts,
how easy it is to hide yourself from the world. But, please, don't do that. Don't hide behind your shyness. It's very hard for an extrovert to include you in a conversation when you don't at least try to participate. Give them something to work with. I know it's hard, but try actively taking a small social risk. Jump into a conversation. The worst that will happen is an embarrassing moment, and in the long run saying something stupid never killed anyone. Everyone, deep down, is just as uncomfortable as you, some people just ignore that feeling better then others. There's nothing wrong with being shy, just don't let that shyness rule you. Open your mouth and give your opinion, introduce yourself to a random stranger once and awhile. Really, there isn't any damage you can do that is long lasting or irrevocable.
Also, whenever I see that one popular kid who just looks so happy with all his tight circle of friends I feel so hopeless. How can I ever say hello to a group of people so tightly knit? They clearly don't want another friend, much less me.
Just know, that is not true.
Just because someone who goes around with a close-knit group of friends, they're always on the lookout for a new one. Just because they know some people really well, it doesn't mean I don't want to know you really well. Everyone enjoys meeting someone new.
Don't hide, try, just once, letting your hair down. Sure, you might embarrass yourself, but you might get a reward much greater then you could've imagined.
^(OvO)^
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