Knowing who you are...

Sometimes people ask (at least I do), "So, what am I good at?" This answer may come easier for some than others. The thing I like about the StrengthsFinder profile is that it not only gives clarification to your strengths, but definition to what a particular strength looks like.

Once I took the online questionnaire, got my results, read the descriptions, I was like... "Oh my word! This really describes how I think, relate, and engage in life!" The following list describes my top five strengths - those yearnings that I had even as a child, the reactions that come so spontaneously, the responses that come naturally, and that which satisfies my desire to make a difference in this world. The combination of all five is what makes me unique. Drum roll please...

Empathy - I can sense the feelings of other people by imagining myself in others' lives or others' situations. I hear the unvoiced questions. I anticipate the need. Ahhh... this one explains my tears. At times I sense the joy or tragedy in another's life more poignantly than even the person does! It's not sympathy, but understanding. I help others give voice to their emotional life. And, if you ask me what my "gut feeling" is, I'm usually right. Wow!

Intellection - I'm energized by thinking (thus, the title given to my blog:) and I appreciate intellectual discussions (though I'm not one for pessimists and cynics). Actually, I need a few long stretches in my week to simply muse, which explains the reason I'm not a daily person and would not enjoy a nine-to-five job. For however it may be hard for one to believe, I find simply musing very productive. I love to read! And I love discussing my strengths (and yours, too, if you like). Yawn... am I boring you?

Restorative - I absolutely love bringing resolution to challenging obstacles. I won't only help you define the problem, but I'll help you solve it. I love watching people "get it," then taking steps to change.

Connectedness - My Christian faith leans into this strength. There's a reason for all things. One dot connects to another. I can build cultural bridges and I like to feel part of something larger than myself. This may explain why I love history, even though I can't remember exactly what, when, or who.

Responsibility - With this one I've got to be careful how much I take on, because I will deliver no matter what. And quality is important to me, so don't rush me please!

As I look back over the years of my life I can see these strengths lived out in many ways. They have been there all along... it's just taken time to hone them, which is the work of a lifetime. Even greater is the overlap I see when it comes to my spiritual gifts and passions (more to be said on these). They all form a thread that make up the fabric of my life.

I can see how these strengths have enhanced our marriage and how they've been influential in my parenting role. Certainly these have played out well in the work of the church, something Dennis and I have been doing for over 30 years. In this new season of life, I see these strengths played out even more. God has a way of bringing us to a place where the depth of development and the years of experience empower the deepest impact.

The thing I like best about knowing who you are, is that you recognize how God uniquely made you to do your part in bringing His kingdom to the world. Then it's doesn't stop short in only being about me, but realizing that I am who I am for the sake of others.

Father, thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in my mother's womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Thank you that you made me, love me and use me.
Psalm 139:14-16