I’m an introvert. I can go days at a time without talking to anyone and be just fine. But, the older I get, the more I know that…I. Need. People. Yep. I said it. Hi, my name is Michele and I need people.
And, I am so grateful for the people God has placed in my path. These are not just any people. They are MY people. People with arms to hold when a good day takes a turn downhill. People who take me for who I am – good, bad and…downright dumpster fire. People who not only remind me to slow down, but who will plan a special trip to make sure I do so. People who laugh with me (and at me sometimes, too). People who teach. People who love. People who can save the world with spreadsheets one minute and belt out Barbara Mandrell songs the next minute. (You know who you are. ?) People who not just listen but those who hear. Really hear. People who give advice not out of judgement but from a place of genuine caring. People who leak Jesus on me not with just their words, but their actions, too. People that text a funny meme at 2 AM because they know I will be awake. People who will pour a glass of wine and be perfectly fine to spend the next hour sitting in silence because some things are best said with silence.
These people refuse to sit by and allow me to live a life of isolation. And, to be honest, while, at times, isolation seems like good practice – one that would keep my feelings from getting hurt and my heart from breaking – I know that’s not what I was made for. I was made for relationships with people.
Everyday, ordinary people. Everyday, ordinary people who continually guide me – sometimes without even knowing they are doing it – toward extraordinary love…His love.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12