I am an extrovert. Extreme extrovert. That was reinforced Wednesday when I attended a Youth Worker’s Cafe (they may have missed on the Youth and the Worker a tad) at the local “Y” which was sponsored by the Indiana Youth Institute. It was supposed to be on youth trauma but on Tuesday I received an email the speaker was unable to be there. Alrightee then! They filled in with a woman who talked Personalities, specifically using the Myers-Briggs Test format. I decided to go anyway since I had it on my schedule and they offered a free lunch (the real draw). Anyway, the test reinforced my extrovertism (and no that is not a word or a disease).
I like people. I like to be around people. I like to laugh. I like to talk.
So why would I write about privacy? Because even extroverts need some time to unwind and have a moment or two to themselves. I am weird when it comes to the test. I don’t relieve stress any way they suggest. They said I like to scream, yell, or cry. Cuss. Speak cutting words. Withdraw. Think negatively. No. No. No. Definitely No. No. No. No. (In that order of answer).
I like to ride. My bike is my escape, my stress reliever. Alone or with someone. Doesn’t matter. I do a lot of riding alone these days since my former riding partner has disappeared. My other one lives over an hour away. But I don’t do it to have privacy or withdraw. It is my coping mechanism.
I read a story that Sir James Barrie, the British journalist and playwright, cherished his privacy and did not appreciate the intrusiveness of reporters. A reporter once visited his home with the hope of obtaining an interview. When Barrie opened the door, the reporter smiled and said, “Sir James Barrie, I presume?” Barrie replied, “You do,” and slammed the door in the reporter’s face.
I’m not sure I could be that rude, but I can understand his frustration in guarding his time. I can understand (to some degree) the frustration of actors and athletes with paparazzi. Some can get pretty violent. Imagine if Jesus did that with the constant interruptions of his day. Religious leaders hounding Him. People following Him everywhere. They even beat Him to the other side of a lake upon occasion. Fame has its price.
However, keep in mind not all interruptions are bad ones. When we hear “we interrupt this program…” that tells us something important is coming. But sometimes it is good to interrupt our normal routine, especially if it means some privacy.
Take some time to get alone. Find the time. Jesus thought is was important. We should also. We can’t always stay “taught.” Have a good weekend.
One more thing: you can check out my sermon for Sunday on Heroes here.
I love my time to myself.
Me too.
Nothing better than a glass of whiskey, a cigar and a comfortable seat on the patio.
To each his own since I have done neither of the first two. 🙂
I wrote about this very idea yesterday and have written about it several times in the past. We all need some time alone … as long as it is finite and doesn’t become the norm.
With Feedly messed up I didn’t read yours until after I had written this. We def were on the same page.
Sometimes I feel like an extrovert and sometimes and introvert. That said, the alone time I get with my Father in study and seeking Him is the times that carry me across the rest.
Alone times are good Floyd, especially when spent with the Father.
Seems like both extroverts and introverts (me) need to find balance. While we each have our tendencies and preferences, it does us good to view the world from the other side once in a while. For example, I’m learning to be a bit more social and to enjoy it. You’ve found that alone time can be rejuvenating. Extremes are often unhealthy, and it can be the case with introverts and extroverts for sure. BTW, I love my extroverted friends (I have to… there are SO many of you ;-))
LOL Kari. I am betting your husband is an extrovert? You better love them! You are right though. Balance is essential no matter what a person is.
Even funnier is that my husband has one of the most balanced personality profiles you’ll ever see, and my oldest is a lot like him. Then, our youngest who we adopted 4 years ago, is an extreme extrovert. So yeah, I do love those extroverts
Sir James Barrie reminds me of me when the Mormoms, or is it the Jehovah Witnesses come knocking at my door…at 9 am in the morning..
That would be JWs I believe. And yes, I would slam the door.