I am an introvert. This means that being around people feels like performing, and performances are draining. I am also a pastor, which means people are also my job/passion/calling. Therefore, I do a lot of draining things involving people.
And make no mistake, people drain my energy.
But there are some times where people are my restoration. And I think introverts everywhere need to hear this truth. Sometimes, when you have spent yourself in the daily pursuits of life – work relationships, family interactions, other parents at after school activities, your talkative cashier when the self checkout lanes are closed, that annoying neighbor who waits to pounce on you as soon as you open the door – you still need people.
You just need the right people.
You need intentional relationships, not just circumstantial relationships.
One of the worst decisions introverts can make is to sequester themselves from intentional relationships because circumstantial relationships drain them.
Last night I was reminded of the restorative power of people when my wife and I entertained 8 adults and 6 children in our little house. 14 people in a small space for three hours – an introvert’s worst nightmare! Especially when the previous two days were filled with phone calls and conversations with a lot of people. But the people coming over were not circumstantial relationships; they are my intentional circle. And God used them to restore my energy, not drain it.
Introverts, hear me, the right relationships have the ability to recharge you more than any amount of alone time could. Just make sure they are the right relationships.
Just Thinking 