Thinking, Introverts, and Sacrifices of Praise

So this is a little preachy. Deal or don’t read.

My mom was staying with my brother’s family for a few weeks. Mom noticed that my nephew, Bubba, often went outside alone to swing. One day she asked him why he liked to do that. “I just like to get where I can think.”

I think Bubba is a little bit like his Aunt Kara Beth. Alone in the quiet is one of my favorite, peaceful places.

Have you ever taken one of those personality tests? I did one last year at the request of a friend who was certifying for her counselor’s license. Another was a part of some family things we were doing. As it turns out, both tests showed I am an introvert. I guess that is one of my faults as well as my strengths.

I am a little surprised I am classed as an introvert as I look at the pictures I take. Very few are like the one in this post. Most are taken where I am in the midst of a group of family or friends. I get along well with people (my perception anyway). Heck! I even like a few!

I have often been asked at the pool where I exercise why I don’t join a class. #1 I don’t like the noise level. There is something about sound and water that really gets my brains to rattlin’! #2 I like the peace of swimming in the pool – alone.

I am not an exercise enthusiast. I do it because I need to. Because swimming is pretty much the only exercise I enjoy, I am VERY thankful for the URMC therapy pool. It’s warm water is perfect! I use the time to exercise my spiritual muscles as well as my physical ones. When alone, I sing praises for God and also to make sure I am doing each exercise an equal amount of time on each side of the body. That’s much more interesting than counting to 20 over and over.

My spirit is refreshed after my singing/exercise time. I hope every day I can swim alone for that reason. I can’t sing in the pool when others are present, and I mostly avoid conversations if there are others in the pool with me.

HOWEVER! I learned a valuable lesson the other day. A lady who has severe physical issues was swimming when I got there. We got to talking and chatted the time away. At the end of the conversation, she told me how she lived out in the country and didn’t usually have people to talk to. She expressed her delight in being able to visit with me during her exercise time. I was humbled by her words. And repentant.

How often have I put my inner thoughts ahead of concerns about others? Probably way too often.

I think that day, instead of singing my praises, maybe my care for another became my sacrifice of praise. I’m still processing. If you have thoughts along that line, send me a note.

Blessings  KB

Ephesians 4:32  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. … Be kind and compassionate to one another.

1 Peter 4:10 Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.