I AM an ENFJ

I've spent the last few weeks studying my shape. No, not by comparing before and after pictures of my figure like certain individuals on Instagram who shall remain nameless (hey gorgeous!) but, as those of you who have read Rick Warren's 'Purpose Driven Life' will know, by looking at my Spiritual Gifts, Heart's Desire, Ability, Personality and Experience. These are the  unique aspects each one of us has that equip us for the ministry that God has called us to do.

 www.16personalities.com*

I'm currently doing a certificate in Christian calling and service through the church with a view (depending on what SHAPE I am) to studying for ministry at some time in the future. As part of that process I've been searching online sites (check out the one above!) to find out more about my Personality, and it turns out I am an ENFJ. Extroverted. INtuitive. Feeling. Judging.


Adjectives for this particular type include teacher, mentor or sage. (N.B the terms have been updated since I penned this to include 'protagonist'). Strengths are meant to include a special ability to see growth potential in others; an exceptional intuitive awareness; organisational skills - enjoys careful structure and planning. Weaknesses include a tendency to neglect own needs at the expense of others; being sensitive and can be easily hurt; tendency to be fussy, especially in their home environment - who me?!! Actually the results have been uncannily 'on the nail' and it's worth a look for those of you who have an interest, or the time, for such things.


But the whole process has made me remember two things . . .

1. That we are each uniquely and wonderfully made.  
I know that sounds obvious but no-one else is quite like us, which means we should celebrate being who we are and it also frees us to celebrate all that God has created others to be, even when they are very different to us! 


2. That our unique gifts are too precious to be wasted.
A friend of mine bought me a tin with a candle in it and on the lid are inscribed the words . . .
When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say 'I used everything you gave me'. Point made I think!!


Be the wonderful you you were created to be!

The night I had finished collating all my SHAPE stuff I was too humbled to sleep. I kept thinking about all that God had done in and through me to this point. I've often said that God and I agree about the person I desire to be but where we disagree is the journey it will take to get me there. 

I recognised very powerfully that even in some of the most testing experiences of my life, God had been at work developing the me He created me to be, the bits that were already in my DNA that just needed honing and refining and more than that, I am becoming exactly the ME that ultimately brings glory to GOD in a way that only the wonderful and unique me can.

 Light bulb moment right there!

* 16 Personalities is based on the The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and you can find the personality test here -  https://www.16personalities.com


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