I have never been known as a "Type A" person. Almost every personality test, and even friends, will tell you that I'm laid back, easy going, green/phlegmatic, and I am an Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving (ISFP) person. I've never been comfortable being the one in charge, though I have done that. And, though it would seem opposite of my personality, I am comfortable speaking in front of a large group (if I know my subject).
All of my closest friends throughout life have typically been complete opposite of me, except for one, and she is almost identical to me. For my life, I think God orchestrates for these strong Type A personalities to be in my life for two reasons.
First, "iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." We all need each other in order to grow as people, but also to grow in Him. I can't do the same things my bold, outgoing, extroverted friends do. They are driven to do. In the same vein, they can't do what the easy going, laid back people do either. I have one friend who has a successful business. When I think of her life, I get anxiety. She works hard, and is driven to use her talents in a way that brings income to her family. The thought of having to meet deadlines makes me break out in a sweat. But, sometimes, I need a little fire under me, and I know just the friend to call when I do. I love that God puts people in my life that are opposite of me. If nothing else, they sharpen me.
Second, God places opposites in my life as a way for me to stretch. These people challenge me in ways that my "like-minded" friends don't. They are not "yes" people, and are more likely to get on my nerves easily. Sometimes, these people become my closest friends because of their ability to speak truthfully, and their ability to help me see outside the box. Often times, these people are only in my life for a short season. God puts them into my life, stretches my faith a little, and then we all move on to where He leads us next.
Finally, God places opposites in my life to strengthen my faith walk, or to strengthen my backbone. I'm not weak minded, but I can sometimes be a pushover. Usually in peacemaker mode, I tend to not rock the boat, but help keep the waters calm instead. The people God puts in my life to strengthen me are people who don't back down very easily, have strong personalities, and are able to push me outside of my comfort zone.
I believe it's healthy to have people in our lives who are different from us. People who God uses to sharpen, stretch or strengthen us. If we were all the same, it would not only be a boring place to live, we'd all be lazy and uninspiring. I'm truly thankful for the Type A people in my life. They bring out good things in me!
Finally, God places opposites in my life to strengthen my faith walk, or to strengthen my backbone. I'm not weak minded, but I can sometimes be a pushover. Usually in peacemaker mode, I tend to not rock the boat, but help keep the waters calm instead. The people God puts in my life to strengthen me are people who don't back down very easily, have strong personalities, and are able to push me outside of my comfort zone.
I believe it's healthy to have people in our lives who are different from us. People who God uses to sharpen, stretch or strengthen us. If we were all the same, it would not only be a boring place to live, we'd all be lazy and uninspiring. I'm truly thankful for the Type A people in my life. They bring out good things in me!
