Cure for an Introvert?
The room buzzes with conversation as people cluster together into groups. My eyes jump from one collective bunch to another. They all seem to know one another. My steps slow but my heart rate speeds up. A woman’s boisterous laughter startles me, and my gaze jerks in her direction. Her friends smile and laugh at her joke. I’m an outsider, so I quickly look away before they catch me staring. I dig my phone out of my purse to pretend I’m busy and search out the nearest restroom in case I need a hideout. I glance around for any familiar faces or someone who’ll make eye contact—nothing. Energy drains from my body, and I’m already emotionally exhausted.Yes, I’m an introvert. Those of you who’ve heard my testimony already know, but those of you who would casually meet me at work or church would find this shocking. Am I a good faker? No, I’ve just had an epiphany thanks to a little divine intervention.What epiphany? The quiet voices of other introverts ask. It might be better if I explain. I was at a writer’s conference this past weekend. It was an amazing experience, and I learned a ton, but I only knew a handful of people there. Immediately, unease set in, and I pulled out all the tools I’ve acquired through the years to blend in, including my secret bathroom hideout. Then the time came for me to volunteer to help usher in other writers, like myself, into their agent/editor appointments. Suddenly, I came alive. I shed my introverted ways and greeted people with an extrovert’s confidence and a desire to make others feel at ease. Now, I had a purpose—to serve others.There is something about serving that changes a person. Putting other’s needs above your own shrinks self-doubt and fear into the background. It also opens your heart to see the nervous anxiety in other people’s eyes and realize you aren’t alone. Even though I’m an introvert I love greeting at the front door of my church, most Sunday’s you’ll find me there smiling and hugging people. I enjoy seeing my friends but what really brings me joy are new guests. I’m able to draw from my past awkward situations to relate to people who may feel uncomfortable walking into a new place. Because of the spirit within me, not my own abilities, I can welcome them with love and set them at ease.An article on volunteering from the Huffington Post lists seven other health benefits to serving from pain relief to reducing depression. However, I’d like to submit that the number one reason we should serve is that Jesus set the example. He did so, by on the night before his death, humbly taking a cloth and washing his disciple's feet, and by dying a sinner’s death on the cross for you and me, even though he was sinless.Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV) “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”Is serving a cure for being an introvert? Well, technically I'm still an introvert, but God has used my shyness for His glory. When I'm greeting I know that it's Him working through me, and He's turned it into my greatest joy.