Sometimes You Have to Leave the House

Micaela’s braces were getting tight again. The physical therapist told me I couldn’t wait any longer, we needed to make a trip into Albuquerque. I groaned and inwardly protested. With one hand I reached down and touched Micaela red raw heel. God, why do we have to do this? Can’t you miraculously fix her AFOs? Heal her feet and ankles? Release us from this need?
 
Suddenly my mind filled with the chairs of the waiting room at the Carrie Tingly Orthodics Clinic. I thought of the tired and worried faces that waited there and my heart hurt.
 
That still small voice called, My work is there.
 
If you are an introvert, like me, you can probably understand. I have a hard time leaving home. I love the comfort and control I have right there in my own house. I love my friends and family. I appreciate fresh produce from the supermarket. I don’t mind doing a little people-watching or window shopping.
 
But..
 
I would rather be at home.
 
A couple months ago I started praying the Jabez Prayer. One of the things I daily ask God for is to increase His territory and influence through me. After I started praying for this, I felt my soul struggle against my heart’s wish to keep myself and family all locked up and comfortable.
 
I’ve always felt blessed to be an introvert. Because I don’t need to hang out with others, I spend a lot of time in prayer, study, and personal growth. But, like all things, we can over-do it. The hearts God wants to touch are often in grocery stores, doctor offices, and at the tables in other people’s homes.
 
So what is an introvert to do if we have dedicated our life to God’s work? We are to go. We are to leave and listen.
 
I did and God gave me something in return—the constant filling of His love for others.
 
Micaela’s life has definitely got me out of the house often these past three years. I think I have always known that God has used my little girl to touch other people’s lives, but I have never thought to accept every new specialist, appointment, and therapy as God’s opportunity to work through me as well. It excites me, now. I hate it that Micaela’s journey has involved so many trials, but my heart now often leaps with excitement when I load her up into the truck. I wonder how I will see God’s work unfold that day.
 
I am 32 years old and a little sad that I am just now embracing this aspect of my walk with God. If you are introverted too, ask God to fill you with the love and strength to bring His light into the world. I am learning that this sacrifice of our own personal space and control brings back countless blessings for ourselves and others.
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 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16, NIV 

​Introverted or extroverted, do you find there are strengths and weaknesses to your personality that affect how God works through you?