When an Innie Goes Out (08/31/2026)

I am an introvert. As I have said before, my idea of a good time is a cave with a view and full bookcases. Left to my own designs, the wheels on my vehicle would never go round and round. It is in solitude and stillness that I am energized through the LORD’s grace. But that same LORD sends me out to encounter others and to accompany others on their journeys. And when that happens, I become an extroverted introvert.

Yesterday was a perfect example. I began the day alone, on my porch with a cup of coffee. As I sipped and listened and pondered, I also prayed. Then I went to church with a friend. After Mass, I went out of my way to greet and welcome others. It was my way of sharing the peace I’d found that morning in prayer with others. Having been “an outsider” my entire life, it was my way of offering loving acceptance to another.

At the end of the day when I returned to the solitude and stillness of my porch for evening prayer and “recharging,” I found thoughts of the day but especially the people who populated it on my mind and concern for them in my heart. I found that I’d been enlarged by sharing time and peace with others.

Some of us are “innies.” Others are “outies.” All of us need both prayerful solitude and time dedicated to sharing the journey with others. “Innies” will be energized through prayerful solitude and will be called to share that with others by going out. “Outies” will be energized through their encounters with the LORD in others and will be called to seek prayerful solitude for reflection. 

Let us commit to allowing the LORD to enter our lives through prayerful solitude and through blessed encounters with others.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.