I am laughing so hard…it’s SO true! “Here’s some water I boiled for you. I soaked it in crushed beans first.” And I’ve SEEN you appoint Bugaboo as Chief Entertainer.

You are awesome.

Oh, that reminds me. Some missionaries are staying with my in-laws this week and they spoke on Sunday. They are Wycliff translators in Papua New Guinea. The man on the husband-wife team said that they both always knew they wanted to be missionaries but wanted to be used in a way that was appropriate to the way God made them. Being more introverted and academically minded, they chose translating! That made me smile, because I thought of you going to Indonesia to translate with some empathetic relief. Of course, there are still plenty of opportunities to interact outside of checking. It’s really funny to hear the Mrs. on the aforementioned team talk about the natives. I think one of her biggest sacrifices is, not a refrigerator, but having proper doors and windows between her and the curious natives!

Yes, I’m sure you’re right. That whole era’s ideas about population control and poverty control seem to have permeated society’s view on birth in general — not that the original intent was necessarily noble to begin with. There is also this certain general Western (especially in New England) philosophy that everything has to be “just so” and you are practically *ungodly* if you don’t do everything “in order”: go to college, get a job, date, get engaged, buy a house, get married, have kids. It’s like you have to portray complete control over every aspect of your life — even though life isn’t always that way — or you’re undisciplined and irresponsible.

Hehe I am SO with you about being introverted!! Unfortunately, my husband is more introverted than me, which leaves me to be the extrovert unless we want to be reclusive. So we don’t entertain. At all. We’re horrible at it! I would MUCH rather be behind the scenes, and Paul too, so we end up hiding in the kitchen, peeking out to see if our guests are still having fun with the dog or cats. Sigh. We are both lonely, but it is soooo hard to make friends after college! We’re actually considering changing churches to one with a more active young career program. (Or rather, to one with an existent young career program.) Anyways, that’s all besides the point. I love your idea of a Bed & Breakfast. Can I hook up with you for my design services? “Stay at Miller Miller & Miller and get your newsletter done!” (Okay you gotta change the name. It sounds like a law firm!)

You and I always did get along because we’re both introverts!  One thing that’s helped me with it is that the Bible says that God is strongest in our weaknesses.  So it doesn’t surprise me anymore when he pushes me into something that I feel completely inept at – simply because he will be able to have all the glory.  It’s such a beautiful experience to feel God working through you knowing that it has nothing to do with you, other than being a willing vessel.  That’s one thing that I’m always preaching to my friends who don’t think God will use them in any great way – the only thing He requires is a willing heart, talent and gifts are secondary to that.  If you want to be used to help fulfill his glorious plan on this earth, you can be – in spite of yourself!

It amazes me that any introvert could have such a passion for being hospitable. I find it very difficult, most of the time, to open up my house for an evening, let alone an extended period of time. Casey is always getting it in his head to have someone over and, like you, I enjoy preparing everything and making my home hospitable. However, when the guests actually arrive, I feel ill at ease. And Casey *doesn’t* handle the entertaining and social part of it! He will often leave me to make conversation while he disappears somewhere. So I am learning by neccesity.

I do enjoy having people that I know very well over and can handle them for greater periods of time without breaking down. I am learning to enjoy spending time with couples, especially if we seem to have things in common or if they are more extroverted and don’t mind carrying the conversation. Fortunately, we now have three or four couples that are like that.

This post reminds me. I must remember not to plan anything for the 4th of July this year!  

I think I’m very similar.  I’m not an extremely social person, and even if I have FUN at certain functions, too much interaction makes me feel extremely exhausted and emotionally drained.  It’s definitely a good thing to know your limits; you want to be at ease and feel capable.  I’ve tried so hard to just “get over” myself, and that just doesn’t make it any easier.  I think I tend to ASSUME, or ANTICIPATE, so sometimes I’ll avoid situations altogether; on the flipside, you could just make sure you do set aside that time to recharge, rather than immediately thrusting yourself into more social things.   

We had some of Phil’s family over the other night, and immediately upon the suggestion I was like, “Eh…” I could just imagine having to clean and entertain and make sure everyone was happy and check myself to make sure I wasn’t cleaning up before they left.  Phil was like “they’re just family!” but of course he doesn’t take it the same way I do. 

BTW, I think running a B&B would be completely different than having houseguests… and family, at that.  You might see them in the morning and evening, but generally they would be on their own during the day.