As an introvert. I am most comfortable being alone or with a small group of familiar people. My goal this year has been to “get away” from people as I was burning out and losing the passion I had before. I had spent years working overtime in positions that depended on being intensively involved with people, sometimes lots of people. Stepping back may have been the right decision, but this last weekend showed me how much I appreciate and, yes, need people in my life.
This weekend my Dad, brothers, my sister, and brother-in-law, got together to do a little work, eat some good food, and have some fun together. Getting together seems even more special each time because it reminds me how much I love, and, yes, need my family.
This weekend my Dad, brothers, my sister, and brother-in-law, got together to do a little work, eat some good food, and have some fun together. Getting together seems even more special each time because it reminds me how much I love, and, yes, need my family.
I returned Sunday evening expecting to get together with some of Cathy’s family for a little birthday celebration. When I got home, Cathy told me that her brother had worn her mom out shopping for flowers. We’d get together later in the week. I was a little disappointed, but feeling a little worn out myself, was more than happy to spend the evening with the person I love and need most, Cathy.
We were watching TV in the basement after dinner when we heard a knock on our back door. Cathy went upstairs to answer the door. I could hear it was our friend, Sharri, from church. She was with a group of people using the pavilion in the backyard of the parsonage. Sharri wanted to know if people could use our restroom.
Did I tell you I am an introvert? I would do almost anything for Sharri, but if strange people were going to be using the pavilion unexpectedly and coming into “our” house and using “our” restrooms whenever they wanted, I was already thinking I wouldn’t last another year living here.
Cathy came downstairs and told me I should get out there and at least say hi to the people in “our” backyard. I thought, “I’m not going to officially be helping as a pastor here until July. You go out there and say, ‘Hi’ to them. I’ll just stay downstairs and watch a show.”
But I would do almost anything for Cathy, so I went out to welcome the people. I started recognizing faces. I quickly went from, “Do I have to say ‘Hi’ to these people?” to “Who do I say ‘Hi!’ to first?” Cathy had surprised me with a birthday party! Normally I am uncomfortable at parties, but these were all people I know and love.
We were watching TV in the basement after dinner when we heard a knock on our back door. Cathy went upstairs to answer the door. I could hear it was our friend, Sharri, from church. She was with a group of people using the pavilion in the backyard of the parsonage. Sharri wanted to know if people could use our restroom.
Did I tell you I am an introvert? I would do almost anything for Sharri, but if strange people were going to be using the pavilion unexpectedly and coming into “our” house and using “our” restrooms whenever they wanted, I was already thinking I wouldn’t last another year living here.
Cathy came downstairs and told me I should get out there and at least say hi to the people in “our” backyard. I thought, “I’m not going to officially be helping as a pastor here until July. You go out there and say, ‘Hi’ to them. I’ll just stay downstairs and watch a show.”
But I would do almost anything for Cathy, so I went out to welcome the people. I started recognizing faces. I quickly went from, “Do I have to say ‘Hi’ to these people?” to “Who do I say ‘Hi!’ to first?” Cathy had surprised me with a birthday party! Normally I am uncomfortable at parties, but these were all people I know and love.
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The evening was even more special as it included not only fellowship together but informal worship. Cathy, our friend, Beth, and I have dreamed of taking worship and fellowship outside “regular” church services and Cathy and Beth made that happen at my birthday party. The funny thing is that it was so cold we moved from the outdoor pavilion into the church’s Fellowship Hall.
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So much more happened this last weekend. I got thoughtful cards, emails, and gifts from great people in my life. I had a nice birthday lunch with a good friend. I’m not even on Facebook, but I got Facebook Happy Birthday wishes from people because of Cathy.
If you’ve been reading my blog this year, you’ll know why I have to share what my sons and brother gave me for my birthday!
If you’ve been reading my blog this year, you’ll know why I have to share what my sons and brother gave me for my birthday!
I am an introvert. It is often easier for me to be alone than with people. But God, with a little help from Cathy, family, and friends, showed me how much I need other people.
So, thanks to all of you for whatever role you’ve played in my life. I am an introvert, but I confess I need people, especially people like you.
So, thanks to all of you for whatever role you’ve played in my life. I am an introvert, but I confess I need people, especially people like you.
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