Are you an Innie or an Outie?

Come on. Confess. Your secret is safe with me.

You know which one you are. Or maybe not.

Innie...Introvert? Outie...Extrovert? That is the question.

No, really, I'm not jesting...I'm going somewhere with this, so bear with me.

For years I thought I was an extrovert. I saw how the world valued strong people, people who walked tall and carried a big stick. Spoke loudly. Banged on their pulpit with force. People who knew what they wanted and got things done.

I tried my best to be like those people...the ones who have an "E" as the first letter of their Meyers Briggs Test. "E" as in Effervescent. Enterprising. Energetic. Extrovert.

I spent a lot of time and energy trying to live the life of an extrovert...throwing parties, running a business, getting involved in causes. Directing what energy I had into doing what I thought was necessary to be successful.

But all the while I found myself seeking solitude. I devoured books on the hidden life, the quiet life, the monastic life. Books on meditation and prayer. My soul would utter a sigh of contentment each time I finished one.

I loved walks and talks and book reads with my children. One-on-one conversations. Gardening. Hiking. Writing. Creating beauty. These are the things that made my heart sing.

So why did it take me so long to figure out the obvious? That I was not an extrovert, nor would I ever be one?

Because I spent too much time listening to the world. And not enough time listening to God.

Because somewhere all the way, I picked up the subliminal message that I was not created to be a human being, but a human doing. That my value was based on what I did, not who I was.

God made me an introvert. By His design. He knew that in this state my greatest joy would come. And when I tried to be anything else, I would only face frustration and exhaustion. And I did.

It took me years to let go and come home to myself...the "me" God had in mind when He created me.

I wish someone had told me years ago that it wasn't about being an introvert. Or an extrovert. But rather, it's about being who we are. Accepting who we are. And then discovering those strengths that God lovingly imbedded in us to use as He desires, for His will to be done. And for our delight.

So, I'm here today to tell you what I wish someone had told me. Ready?

Relax. You are dearly beloved and precious to God. Who you are is a gift from Him to the world. So don't deny the world this gift. Be yourself. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Unique. One-of-a-kind. Be YOU!

It won't always be easy. Few things of value come easily. You will have to fight against the cry that there's always more you can be. Achieve. Do. So much to do, so little time. Blah, blah, blah. Like the fate of the world is in our hands. Like God isn't big enough.

"Let be and be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! 

I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10

Find your "Resting Place" dear one. In Him. In who He created you to be. And then relax and enjoy the journey He has you on. After all, it's custom made just for you!