One must wonder why we as humans care so much about the opinions others have of us; if we know that God has created us in His image and He has created us all beautifully, then what drives humanity to seek acceptance in other humans?
Actually, this is so natural because we were created as interpersonal beings who crave community; we have a distinct desire to feel included, to feel as though we are part of a larger community and that we are loved by those we call our friends. Why we have this innate instinct is well beyond me, but that desire is there and undeniable.
I have been looking deeper into myself and examining this need within my heart. As an extrovert I crave activity, community, laughter, and deep conversations, but I have been realizing that even introverts crave such things, though less overtly. While some extroverts crave the spotlight, however, as I look deeper into myself, I have realized that I show friendship by encouraging and uplifting my friends. My desire to show love to others is overwhelming, and that causes me to seek community and to pursue others with kindness; that is why I am an extrovert. Sure, when I was younger I did want the spotlight, but what middle child doesn't every once in a while? Even now sometimes the spotlight can feel like home, but many times it almost feels like I don't deserve that attention when there are so many other amazing people who have worked hard for that position.
Since we all crave community and we all realize this need, it makes me wonder why sometimes we leave others out. Are they not good enough for us? Has our pride trapped us into believing that we are too lofty to be kind to another? Or do we derive out identity from those we associate with, thus avoiding those who possess certain characteristics that we find repulsive or we fear that others might judge? How can we look upon another human being and not see ourselves in their eyes? We all share this experience called life, and yet we roam this earth as if we have come to rule and to dominate anyone we can control. What has happened to the compassion deep inside of us who knows that our circumstances could change at any moment in time? It is true that we are all different, we have different opinions and values, and we all have an essence within ourselves that sets us apart as unique, but how have we fallen so far away from love that we cannot overcome ourselves and show kindness to someone unlike ourselves?
Actually, this is so natural because we were created as interpersonal beings who crave community; we have a distinct desire to feel included, to feel as though we are part of a larger community and that we are loved by those we call our friends. Why we have this innate instinct is well beyond me, but that desire is there and undeniable.
I have been looking deeper into myself and examining this need within my heart. As an extrovert I crave activity, community, laughter, and deep conversations, but I have been realizing that even introverts crave such things, though less overtly. While some extroverts crave the spotlight, however, as I look deeper into myself, I have realized that I show friendship by encouraging and uplifting my friends. My desire to show love to others is overwhelming, and that causes me to seek community and to pursue others with kindness; that is why I am an extrovert. Sure, when I was younger I did want the spotlight, but what middle child doesn't every once in a while? Even now sometimes the spotlight can feel like home, but many times it almost feels like I don't deserve that attention when there are so many other amazing people who have worked hard for that position.
Since we all crave community and we all realize this need, it makes me wonder why sometimes we leave others out. Are they not good enough for us? Has our pride trapped us into believing that we are too lofty to be kind to another? Or do we derive out identity from those we associate with, thus avoiding those who possess certain characteristics that we find repulsive or we fear that others might judge? How can we look upon another human being and not see ourselves in their eyes? We all share this experience called life, and yet we roam this earth as if we have come to rule and to dominate anyone we can control. What has happened to the compassion deep inside of us who knows that our circumstances could change at any moment in time? It is true that we are all different, we have different opinions and values, and we all have an essence within ourselves that sets us apart as unique, but how have we fallen so far away from love that we cannot overcome ourselves and show kindness to someone unlike ourselves?
