Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8 (ESV)
How many times do you find yourself trying to assimilate a person into various groups or gatherings? Whether they felt comfortable with the idea or not? If they by nature were introverted, you and others would “push” them to be included at all gatherings, whether or not they wanted to be.
I read a story recently that was eye-opening and very inspiring. It involved a son-in-law who was introverted and who really didn’t feel comfortable being in the middle of large family gatherings. Now, there were some in the family who complained that he was not in the area with all of them but, he was in another room reading. However, when this was told to the matriarch, the mother-in-law, she was elated. She knew he needed to unplug and did not want to be around the livelier group on a constant basis. So, she found out his favorite author, bought the latest book, and placed it in another room next to the recliner, in the hopes he would find it and begin reading. She understood that he needed to plug into what makes him feel comfortable, which in this case was sitting quietly by himself and reading.
In this story, the mother-in-law showed an excellent example of relational maturity. She taught a valuable lesson to the other members that everyone is not “wired” the same. We need to allow others to process life and approach various gatherings in their own unique way and not let them feel out of place. She taught everyone to not let others feel as if something was wrong with them because they were not joining the main group.
The above example describes different personalities. However, there are many other differences we will come across in life: various ethnicities, cultures, physical attributes, religions, political parties, etc. The main point is that we need to allow individuals to be who they are, and not try to force them to assimilate so that they can “fit in” with the rest of the group. In the story above, I am sure the introverted family member at times was a part of the main group. However, there were times when he needed to decompress and to be alone.
As we go about life, may we learn to look upon others as God’s children and appreciate their unique differences. May we not make others feel they are not welcome because they do not behave the way we want them to. May we have the behavior God intended by showing love, respect, and kindness to everyone we meet.
Blessings,
Angélique
To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com
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