Gifts of an Introvert
Ever been told you needed to come out of your shell? Accused of being a hermit? Admonished for not having a good time? I feel your pain.
It’s not easy being an introvert in a noisy world, but we’ve got gifts. Dare I say superpowers? Okay, maybe it’s a little premature to get out the tights and cape, but there are advantages to being introverted. I recommend snagging a copy of Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. While some of her heroes wouldn’t necessarily be mine, I found most of what she had to say on the topic of introverts enlightening as well as empowering.
Maybe you’ve compared yourself to extroverts so long you have a difficult time finding any of your characteristics as gifts. Let me help you out. Here is my short list:
Good listener. So maybe we don’t have bubbly personalities. (Who wants to be bubbly, anyway?) Those who like to talk a lot also like to be heard, which makes the one who corners you at the party happy. Introverts tend to remember the little things from a conversation, such as birthdays or the name of the boss’s grandson and how he spells it with a “k” instead of a “c.” These details make people feel heard and appreciated, especially when brought out in future conversations. It’s the introvert’s edge in human relations, which demonstrates a warm and caring nature.
Detailed thinker. It’s the little things I mentioned above. We see what others overlook in their haste to finish a task. Often we process slower, but much deeper, taking those details and giving fresh insight and a different perspective that others completely miss. The challenge for us, though, is to speak up and share these insights.
Independent worker. We’re self-starters, and we don’t require handholding to finish a project. As a matter of fact, looking over our shoulder is likely to annoy us. And, by all means, do not put us in group settings. We thrive best when we work alone.
Creative type. Artists, writers, inventors–creative types are often introverts. Maybe it’s that fresh, detailed perspective that makes us see the world differently and gives us an artistic bent. Whatever it is that causes introverts to be creative, we bring that trait to the table and value to our work.
Loyal friend. I have precisely a dozen contacts on my cell phone–eight family members, three friends, and one acquaintance. Not exactly what you’d call Miss Popularity, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We introverts are a selective bunch. We don’t give our hearts away to everyone, but when we do, the lucky recipient has a loyal friend.
While my list is certainly not exhaustive, I hope to inspire my fellow introverts to see their great potential and value. Be who you are and be proud of it.
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Hands: A Tribute
Hands
Calloused hands
built the fires—and kept them burning
steadied a shotgun
Smoothed curls and swung axes
Fashioned dresses from flour sacks
rocked cradles
sewed buttons
baked bread
Boiled laundry in hot tubs
and scrubbed
and scrubbed
Grew tomatoes and preserved them
Quilted
Played pat-a-cake
tied ribbons
wiped tears
embraced life
Beautiful hands
__________________________
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Life is Like a Garden
I’ve learned much about life with a shovel in my hand, dirt under my fingernails. Planting a seed is a miraculous thing, and I never tire of watching the miracle unfold. It’s a story in the making.
Setting: A garden somewhere in Missouri. Zoom in closer, a modest hole with soil off to one side.
Enter: A determined seed bravely consents to being covered with soil. (The best is yet to come.)
Time passes. The sower waters generously. Waits expectantly.
And waits and waits some more. More time passes until finally a mini explosion of dirt reveals the baby. It’s a seedling! Growth happens.
Winds come. The rains come–sometimes not so gentle. Storms overhead. Sun beats down. Yet the plant survives. Thrives under the care of the sower.
Flowers form. Fruit develops until one day the sower picks it for the dinner table. Then more and more fruit, some for neighbors, others for the canning jar to be given as gifts. An abundant harvest.
All because of one seed and the sower who planted it.
Now that’s my idea of a summer love story!
Faith, Farm, and Family
Nothing compares to growing up on a farm.
As a kid, I had the run of acres and acres of land, animals to cuddle and contend with, cousins to explore the woods with or make hay tunnels in the lofts. Mom and Dad were always nearby, as well as uncles if I needed anything. The farm was a playground paradise–with a little imagination. And there was no better place for a game of hide-and-seek.
As an adult, I thrive in the solitude, growing corn and tomatoes, zinnias and marigolds in my garden, taking walks through the fields, watching the seasons come and go in all their splendor.
Farm life has suited me well.
But without family, the farm wouldn’t be nearly as rich. People to share the good life with, to lean on, to love. This farm is full of memories–good times, hard times. Perseverance. Contentment. Togetherness.
Likewise, without faith, there would be no farm or family because the Giver has been good to us. These are His abundant, marvelous, and downright audacious gifts. He’s given us the good times, helped us through the hard times. With Him we’ve persevered, learned gratefulness and contentment. Together.
Faith, farm, and family–my three ingredients for a happy life on the good green Earth we share.
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