There have been moments in my life where vision has catapulted me into immediate action, only to be equally coupled with moments where insecurity and confusion reign. When my own vision grows dim, the greater the need to be absorbed in a much grander vision - one clearly outlined in Scripture to be glorious, beautiful, and satisfying beyond imagination - one that ultimately finds its rootedness in Christ and culminates in the marriage supper of the Lamb. There are great examples of people who live in this reality, and to whom I admire and wish to emulate. My greatest hindrance to this is allowing my vision (my needs, my satisfaction) become somehow greater than what is already certain and imminent. Lest I feel helpless in the in between of this fulfillment, I am reminded not to throw away my confidence and to endure, so that the promised vision may be realized in faith.

Today I listened to Susan Cain, author of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" speak on challenging the extrovert ideal. I am among the choir of introverts that Cain preaches to. It drains me to be around people. In fact, I spent the whole day yesterday by myself, and I can't tell you how much pleasure it gave me. I know being introverted has its perks even in a culture that champions extroverts. It's taken me well into my adult years to really embrace the introvert in me, yet manage to still engage people at a high level.

The one piece missing to me in Cain's advocacy of the introvert is an underlying reason for which she encourages introverts to open up their metaphorical suitcase to the world because "the world needs [us] and the things that [we] carry." While there is no inherent flaw in this plea, the motivation  is lacking. How can one champion the introvert, yet also ask her to act contrary to it? The only motivation that summons me out of the depths of my introversion is that my life is not my own, and I am compelled to live it outside of myself. I see this beautifully articulated by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:14 -"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

That verse flattens the introverted default to turn inwardly within myself. Need to see inside my suitcase? My blog is but a peek :)