Creator-vert

A few weeks ago, on a Thursday night, the city was calling for an icy blizzard that would force everything to shut down. Schools were already closed the next day, and airports and flights were being cancelled by the minute. In the face of a bleak forecast, my son and husband were venturing off for a father-son ski trip the next day. I was looking forward to a little “me” time and some one-on-one time with my daughter (as a senior in high school, I know these times are short). Friday morning we woke up to ice, snow and nowhere to go. Or at least, I didn’t have any plans. My daughter, on the other hand, had plenty… plans to sled and hang out with friends, leaving me by myself, wandering from room to room in our house trying to be productive. I won’t lie: the first few hours were bliss. But then the silence fell and the craving to talk to someone was overwhelming. I missed my husband. I missed that conversation with another human being. I did have some wonderful moments with other friends - going to a movie, conversations over a glass of wine, a few snuggles with my daughter, but it really made me press into the God who created us for relationship. He desires intimate conversations with the ones He has perfectly created. Alone time is good to reflect and refocus, but fostering relationships are so important. Growing up, I was a quiet individual. I am not one for large groups. I don’t like to be in large crowds, and I love intimate settings with small groups of close friends friends. I love being in my studio - just me, a blank canvas, and praise music blaring in the background. I recently took a little profile test to see whether I’m an introvert or extrovert. I pretty much already knew the answer, but I always love seeing the results of personality profiles. “Based on your responses, you’re an ambivert. That means you fall smack in the middle of the introvert- extrovert spectrum. In many ways, ambiverts have the best of both worlds, able to tap into the strengths of both introverts and extroverts as needed.” Here is the definition of both: INTROVERTS Given the choice, introverts will devote their social energy to a small group of people they care about most, preferring a glass of wine with a close friend to a party full of strangers. Introverts think before they speak, have a more deliberate approach to risk, and enjoy solitude. They feel energized when focusing deeply on a subject or activity that really interests them. When they’re in overly stimulating environments (too loud, too crowded, etc.), they tend to feel overwhelmed. They seek out environments of peace, sanctuary, and beauty; they have an active inner life and are at their best when they tap into its riches. EXTROVERTS Extroverts relish social life and are energized by interacting with friends and strangers alike. They’re typically assertive, go-getting, and able to seize the day. Extroverts are great at thinking on their feet; they’re relatively comfortable with conflict. Given the choice, extroverts usually prefer more stimulating environments that give them frequent opportunities to see and speak with others. When they’re in quiet environments, they’re prone to feeling bored and restless. They are actively engaged in the world around them and at their best when tapping into its energy. No matter which definition most accurately describes you, God desires that you engage in an intimate relationship with your mighty and powerful and living Creator. It may be spending countless hours of quiet time with Him. It may be in a crowded venue surrounded by strangers and friends alike, being a light in the midst of a big world. Regardless, it will most assuredly be in stride with the One who crafted your very personality and knows how to energize you and just where to meet you where the paths of life lead you. Whether introverted, extroverted or ambiverted, there’s nowhere that you can venture where you won’t be a Creator-vert.