I am an introvert. And that's ok.

I've been reading the book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain, and it's been incredibly encouraging.

Full disclosure: For the most part, I am an introvert.

On the podcast it doesn't come across I know. When I'm teaching the Bible, it doesn't come across. There's something about teaching Scripture that invigorates and excites me. I get energized by it.

But here's the thing, once I'm done teaching I drop. I need time to recover. I actually prefer staying home to going out. I'm very comfortable in my circle of friends, but even there, I can struggle massively with small talk not knowing what to say or what questions to ask. I prefer listening to others to talking myself. Put me in a new group or even a big group and I will be one of the quiet ones on the fringes. I have never been the life of the party, nor am I the one you're going to call when life is boring and you need excitement.

I am old enough to recognize there is nothing wrong with any of that. 

But I have also come to realize that our world doesn't value "quiet" or "quiet people." In the book, Susan Cain calls it "the cult of personality." We're all supposed to be bigger than life, selling ourselves at each chance we get, the life of the party, full of witty exchanges, and magnetic to the nth degree.

That will never be me. 

Believe me, I am thankful for the extroverts I know, and the excitement they bring to the parties I do attend. I love sitting and laughing at their stories, for a few moments entering their crazy worlds and being carried along on the ride. Thank you for sharing that with me!

But I am thankful I can also enjoy sitting down with a good book, talking with one friend over a cup of coffee, or even being alone. 

I am an introvert. And that's ok.