At the start of this pandemic, there were several memes that came across my Facebook feed about the introverts relaxing and enjoying themselves at home while the poor extroverts ran around the house going mad and lamenting the loss of their freedom to see their friends and coworkers. I chuckled at them, shaking my head. I worried about my wife but I wasn't all that concerned for myself. But as time has gone on and my office has extended their work at home timeline (now out to December 31st!) I started to realize something.
I miss people.
For some of you who know me well, such as my wife, this statement might be a bit of a shock. I am known to be comfortable staying at home, puttering away the hours reading or playing games or writing, relaxing or watching tv. I am pretty comfortable with my own company, you might say. That is not to say that I don't enjoy the company of others, but I don’t need it.
Or do I?
This realization was probably slower to dawn on me, like the proverbial frog in the slowly heating frying pan, thanks to my introverted nature. I, like the frog, start to experience gradual damage over time with the exposure to solitude and my own internal voices and fears.
Thank God that I have a live-in companion in my lovely wife. She helps me realize these dark tides and helps fight them, but it would be horrible to expect her to take care of these alone. Even with prayer and Jesus' presence, I still needed something more.
So I tried some things: meditation, some online writing events, trying to FaceTime my parents. But then, I heard my gym was going to open up and I thought that would be something helpful. My friend is a coach there, who I hadn't seen since the isolation began, and physical exercise would also be a great help to my mental attitude.
But now I had to leave the house and go somewhere in the outside world. It was pretty scary, I must admit. I had anxiety about it and balked at first. But I finally recognized the protocols that they were proposing were good and they were trying to take care of their people. I decided to go. And it was good. I hate exercising, so it's great to be able to have encouragement and a place to do it. And it was good to see my friend and talk to him.
In fact, we also made plans to have coffee. Outside and safely, but still it was great to enjoy his company.
I do believe that God made us for community, but at times I struggle with the concept. But then He reminds me why it is good and by His design.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
About the Author
Mark lives in Oregon with his lovely wife, Darla and enjoys reading, writing, playing games and working to make the world a better place. He currently serves CitySalt church as a sound engineer and on the church council.