“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

 I am a people-oriented introvert. I love people. I enjoy being around people, but social interaction is draining to an introvert. After a while, I just need some quiet alone time. If you are a task-oriented introvert, you may love people but focus more on getting stuff done. Either way, when you have reached your limit, you need to retreat just like me.

If you are an extrovert, being with people fills you up. You can be with people all day long and feel energized. You could be a people-oriented extrovert or a task-oriented extrovert. Either way, you don’t need the same kind of alone time that we introverts need. Viva la difference!

So, where am I going with this little personality lesson? I’ve learned that even as an introvert I need the people of God, and they need me. The same is true for you.

Both introverts and extroverts are called to love and serve people. I recently attended a conference where I knew a lot of people. However, I went alone, not with a group. I have often attended as the leader of a group, so I always knew which people I was to be focused on. But not this time. As the sessions were getting underway, I asked God where my place was for this conference. Who were the people I should focus on? I felt God whisper that my place was everywhere, with whoever was in front of me.

That was freeing and exciting! My call for the conference was to love and serve whomever I happened to be with. I was to make myself available to be where He wanted me to be with whomever He wanted me to be with. My goal was to be present with each person I encountered.

The most important person to be with is the person right in front of you.  As the conference continued, I found myself seated at a table of friends, people I have a history with, am comfortable with, and who did not need me to do more than be there. At times, I found myself in one-on-one conversations with people facing significant challenges. Other times, I listened, prayed, encouraged, and hugged. I even had the pleasure of going out for coffee with a spiritual daughter and laughing as I walked the aisles of a department store with a friend. Different venues. Different people. But what a joy just to be there and love each one.

Know yourself so that you can take care of yourself, but also be flexible. At this point in my life, I know my limits. I know that late nights have never served me well. I know that loud parties are not my best setting. I know when I have reached my limit it is time to go to bed.

But I also know that God’s grace is enough for the assignments He gives me.

An after-party was one of the planned activities at the conference. The party had two strikes against it for me: Late night and a lot of activity. Normally, I would have headed up to bed. But I felt God whisper, “Your night is not done.”

Shortly after the main session ended and the after-party began I ran into someone I love who needed a listening ear. I sat down with her and listened until she was ready to finish her night. The amazing thing to me was that I was not distracted by feeling tired or overwhelmed by the noise and activity. I was right where I needed to be and there was grace to be present in a setting that is not normally my best.

Dear Friend, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert you need people, especially the people of God. And guess what. They need you! Strive to be fully present with each person in front of you. That is one of the most rewarding challenges I face daily. But my conference experience reminded me of just how valuable it is for myself as well as the other person. It also reminded me that God’s grace is enough to help me be flexible in the moment even when being present takes me outside my normal limits. His grace will be enough for you, too.

 Key Question: Do I really need people, and do they need me?

A Scripture to Consider: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

A YES Challenge: Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, decide to be fully present with each person you encounter today. Recognize your limits but count on God’s grace to help you be flexible.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the way You made me. You know my personality. You understand my limits. Help me remember that I need Your people, and they need me. Help me be fully present with each person I meet.  Help me rely on Your grace in every situation. Amen.