It Takes All Kinds

I have often said that God has given me the most unique cast of characters in my life. Honestly, I have been blessed to grow up and live and walk through life with all kinds of people. All kinds of backgrounds, personality types, life experiences, political views, religious denominations and of every kind of ethnicity. Maybe it's because I love a good story so much, but my life is full of people who have the most amazing stories. Life transforming stories. Inspiring stories. Hurt your heart stories. Make you see the world differently stories.

It has only been more recently than I would care to admit that I can fully appreciate what the diverse cast of my life story has given me. Because what it has given me is a kaleidoscope of  beauty, growth, perspective, and support. Not too long ago, I couldn't grasp that. I didn't see beauty or growth or support. I saw people whose boldness or passion trampled me. People whose beliefs made me question mine. People who I felt like I was supposed to compete with. I saw differences as a challenge. And don't we all? Let's face it, to live in a day and time where tolerance and diversity are supposedly prized, we get all kinds of bent out of shape when we have to deal with people who are different than us, don't we?

One of the best things that ever happened to me was being handed a book to read called, "Why You Act the Way You Do" by Tim LaHaye. My college roommate, who has introduced me to every favorite book I've ever read, told me about this jewel. Since reading it I've read many, many books on personality types, leadership styles, and temperaments. But this was my first time reading about personality types and as I turned every page I was saying, "This is me!" "This is so and so!" "That's why that person drives me crazy!" And it was life changing. Because after years of trying to squeeze myself into a box I thought I should fit in, I realized it was the wrong box for me. And after years of wanting others to squeeze into a similar box or even the same one as me, it dawned on me that we couldn't all fit.

As I've shared my heart on this blog over the years, you may have noticed a recurring issue I struggle with-other people's expectations. Or my own. Just expectations in general. Some come from watching too much TV or reading too many fashion magazines. Some come from ideals within the church. Some come from seeing how other people do things and wanting to be like them. Some come from those unspoken expectations we all somehow learn along the way. The looks we get. The stares. The nods of approval or disapproval. We learn, even when no one is consciously teaching.

I was a quiet, shy child. The type that was content to play Barbies alone and read books for fun. I hid behind my mom in social situations and never felt like I knew the right thing to say. I thought A LOT. My brain was an unending play of theatrical brilliance, and in my mind, I was the star. I always knew the witty thing to say and how to act. As I got older I had some special people who encouraged me and pushed me and helped build my confidence. I became more outgoing, but I still preferred to read books and daydream. I never seemed to figure out how to become the amazingly fun, life of the party person I was in my head. In my teenage years I gave it my best shot, but always felt like I fell short of what I was "supposed to be". Because let's face it, in high school, outgoing is THE.WAY.TO.BE. And I can be outgoing. But then I need like 45 hours to be alone and decompress and process all of that social activity. I need to think about all of the conversations and analyze them and make sure I said the right thing. 

I share this because I am now able to understand that that is just my personality. It's not good or bad or right or wrong, it's just what it is. But I spent many years feeling like it was "bad" or "wrong" or that it just wasn't who I wanted to be. Over the years it has been easier to compile a list of all the ways I wish I was different or all the skills, temperaments, or qualities I wish I had. People with stronger personalities scared or intimidated me. I was convinced their way was the "right" way and I needed to get on board. People who think logically or in an organized fashion amaze me because I have all the feelings and my mind is often as cluttered as my desk is right now. I used to see that as a conflict. Who is right? Now, I am learning to see it as beautiful puzzle pieces that God created for us to work together, our pieces fitting seamlessly to create the overall masterpiece. 

I am in awe of people who can take charge of a situation and be a leader and organize and rally the troops. That's not my thing. I feel most comfortable on the sidelines comforting and encouraging the troops and working through their thoughts and feelings. Have we gathered that I'm a "feelings" person? :)  The point is that it is all necessary and needed. Not better or worse or more important or less important. 

We need bold, passionate people to lead the way. We need quiet, gentle people to tend our hearts. We need creative people to come up with ideas and we need organized people to make them come to life. We need people of all walks of life, with all experiences and all opinions. Instead of looking at each other with big less than or greater than signs over our heads, we should look to see what we can equal together. Ideally, we become a synchronized marching band, made up of all kinds of instruments, but being led by the same  person, playing the same song.

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

And at the end of the day when the whole stinkin' bunch of us is tired and frustrated and worn out and we've stepped on each others toes trying to march to the beat of a different drummer, we can take comfort in this:

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

~2 Corinthians 12:9-10