When the World is Too People-y

People-y: (adjective) an overabundance of people.

Some days are just like that … too people-y!

People can make your day or break your spirit.

This week, my son was working on a presentation for school and part of it included the ability to “choose your own destiny.” We discussed this word and it has stayed on my mind as I have ventured into the world each day.

Destiny: (noun) the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future; fate.

We choose our own destiny each day by choosing our response to a people-y world.

I am an introvert.

This fact has been confirmed many times over via tests provided by employers or leadership programs.

Below is one specific description I was given for myself:

“You are quiet, friendly, responsible and conscientious.

You work devotedly to meet obligations.

You lend stability to any project or group.

You are thorough, painstaking, and accurate.

Your interests are usually not technical.

You can be patient with necessary details.

You are loyal, considerate, and perceptive.

You are keenly aware of and concerned with how other people feel.”

Reading that again immediately makes me feel a bit overwhelmed.

However, below, is the rest of the description – the antidote:

”You are the most introverted of the temperaments and crave time alone.

You are most at ease in your own company.

You can enjoy spending time with others, but this drains your energy.

You need alone time in order to recharge.

Much of your introversion comes from your perfectionism.”

I do believe each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made.

I do believe each of us is made in God’s own image.

So, why would God create me with an introverted temperament?

This is a question I ask myself over and over every single day.

He wants me to love Him and love others.

I am an introverted Christian. This is really an oxymoron.

I have learned though if I rely fully on Him, I can overcome my weaknesses.

My weaknesses become my strengths.

His grace really is sufficient for me.

I have had to remind myself of all of this many times over the last couple of weeks.

My world has been too people-y and I haven’t been able to recharge.

My energy has been drained.

My health has been compromised.

I cannot pour from an empty cup.

This week I have had many interactions which affected me deeply.

We had a lockdown/active shooter drill at school this week.

I had to explain to each of my classes (100+ students) the procedures we need to take to ensure their safety.

In each class, one of my students would state the obvious: “Mrs. Eddy, you are our first line of defense! Do you realize that?”

I explained keeping them safe is my number one priority each and every day.

Several students became emotional and stated they didn’t realize how much teachers really cared until that moment. Students left me thank-you notes or hugged me after class. Many stated they would do everything in their power to help me fight off any intruder.

They really are sweet souls.

When I actually stop and think about it, I, too, realize the daunting task.

It’s a scary world! I hate we have to practice these.

Several people I care about are dealing with serious health issues, family issues, or have lost loved ones. Trying to show care and concern to each and every one is sometimes not even possible.

This, too, is a daunting task because my temperament makes me keenly aware of others’ feelings.

I want to care for them, help them, and comfort them.

Several people I care about are also celebrating wonderful life events and milestones.

Trying to congratulate and celebrate with each and every one is not always possible.

So, this too becomes a daunting task because my temperament makes me keenly aware of their feelings.

I want to encourage and applaud them.

However, I have had other encounters this week with people who are just mean.

On a very rainy day, as I was walking into a building, I was walking about 2 feet behind another person. As we reached the door, this person simply let the door slam shut in my face.

I was shocked but opened the door and greeted them and walked on.

I wondered what would make someone be so rude.

On another occasion, a person made a point of speaking to everyone around me but obviously avoiding me.

I awkwardly played it off but wondered why anyone would think this behavior is acceptable.

Why would anyone want to expend such negative energy?

The current climate in our world is a bit unkind, to say the least.

Many people say and do whatever comes to their mind with no thought or regard for others.

This makes any interaction too people-y.

The Bible says in Matthew 14, Jesus withdrew by boat to a solitary place.

I would like to think he was going to recharge because his energy had been drained.

The crowds followed Him and when He landed, He had compassion on the people.

I need to follow His example. I need to withdraw to a solitary place. I just can’t stay there.

I, too, need to have compassion on others – help them, comfort them, celebrate them, and forgive them.

I can’t be like Him if I don’t spend time with Him.

I need to remember the Bible is full of examples of compassion.

I just need to recharge myself.

I need to withdraw and pray for everyone, especially my enemies.

I need to remember someone else’s actions are a statement of who they are and not a reflection of me.

I need to treat others the way I want to be treated.

I need to treat others the way God treats me.

I need to choose my own destiny by making time to allow God to recharge my introverted spirit so I can handle my people-y world.

Love, Jan 💖