Proverbs 31 or Type A?

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.(Jeremiah 1:5)

If I were to name something that most clearly demonstrates God's greatest creative abilities, I'd have to choose: the human personality! The differences in personality traits around us abound. We are truly "set apart" and different from one another. I am amazed at just how many different types we can encounter in a single day. If you're a parent, you probably deal with several very different personalities even before breakfast. And, at the office, you'll likely engage a few 'lively" ones before your coffee kicks in.

Oh Lord, how many and varied are Your works! (Psalm 104:24)

The one personality type that I am most familiar with, of course, is my own . . . the ever lovely, insanity producing, "Type A" variety. (And just for fun, add a little "first born female" to the brew.) 'Type A's' can be production machines. They check off the lists, make little children march in straight lines, and watch the clock so as not to waste even a single moment. (Just the thought of it makes husbands everywhere begin to twitch . . . with good reason.)

The interesting thing is that many women, regardless of the actual personality type they were born with, will begin to morph into "Type A's" after a few years of marriage and/or motherhood. No one understands the actual science behind this transformation, and for the most part, it's not a problem. In fact, a woman with this personality type can sometimes multi-task on so many levels that she is able to keep not only her own family in working order, but it is suspected that her excess energy somehow aids the planets in maintaining their orbits. (The jury is still out on that, but I believe it.)

There is, however, one downfall to being a person who posseses this 'bring-home-the-bacon-fry-it-up-in-a-pan, Type-A', "Who needs rest?" ' personality. She can become so driven, so single-minded in serving the people in her life that she forgets that she needs to be nurtured herself. She can forget that in order to maintain her high-octane life, she needs a fill-up now and then. She dutifully and joyfully tends to the daily details of the needs around her. And if her family reaches the end of the day clean, not naked, not starving, and smiling and/or happy . . . she feels good about her performance and job security. That feeling of a job-well-done can motivate us for quite a while. I think that's a good thing.

The dilemma, however, is that, Type-A, over-achieving women, tend to forget that they still need to carve out time to sit at the Savior's feet. The fact that they are able to work on and on - day after day - fueled by sheer will power and devotion . . . doesn't mean that they should or that it's good for them.

So, as the worst offender and poster child for the "I am woman, hear me roar!" crowd, I would like to issue a challenge. Before the end of the day, let's all agree to find a quiet spot (a locked bathroom or minivan will do) and sit for a few quiet minutes with the One who longs to fill us. Let's agree to wait and hear from the One Who applauds our daily marathon, and would like to tell us so. No laundry list of needs and prayers and rambling thoughts (that might just be me). Just quietly, peacefully, enjoying the presence of God.

Be still and know that I AM God.

We can do it ladies! (and gentlemen!) Of all the things that really matter to our Father, being alone and intimate with His children, hits the very top of His list. And as an added bonus, being in the presence of Almighty God, will change us, mold us, calm us, adjust our perspective, purify us and make us more like . . . Him!

And since He doesn't have to worry so much about the planets and their orbits these days, He's got a little extra time. Can He pencil you in?

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
(Psalm 62:5)

Father, more than anything, we want to meet with You. We want to see Your face. We want to hear your words. We want to be changed in your presence. We know it's what we were created for. So we ask You, God of all creation, to meet with us, strengthen us, change us and equip us for this day You have placed before us. May all of it bring glory to You and may it please you. We ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus.
Love,
Your Girls


In Him...


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