Personality

Special Note: We have a little something new for our posts! Mandy is going to give you the “why” behind her photos for each blog. You get a little behind-the-scenes look at why she selected each post’s photos. Here is your first one:

Thinking about quirks and personalities, I instantly thought of these heifers and calf! Each one has the best personality and I love that is how God created us! So unique, in our own way. ❤️ -Mandy June

Are you a morning lark or night owl?

Do you prefer to spend or save?

Do you talk, and then know what you are thinking, or do you think things through, and then speak?

Do you like large parties or small gatherings?

Are you loud or quiet?

Do you often joke or are you more serious?

Are you tidy or slightly sloppy?

Are you driven or more relaxed?

What motivates you?

What energizes you?

Knowing the answers to these and similar questions gives you insight into your personality. When you know your style, view, bent, and quirks, it’s SO MUCH EASIER to decide where to focus your energy and where to say “no”. You are you for a purpose and your personality was designed for the story God asks you to write.

What is personality?

Psychology Today describes personality this way: “Personality refers to a distinctive assemblage of traits—characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It derives from a mix of inborn dispositions and inclinations along with environmental factors and experiences.” 

A definition in Merriam-Webster Dictionary says personality is “The complex of characteristics that distinguishes an individual or a nation or group.”

Personality is what makes you unique. 

Several years back, I read a book called Personality Plus that describes four personality types. The book contains an extensive list of questions to assess your personality type. After doing my best to answer all the questions, I learned I had a mix of two personality types called melancholy sanguine. This test went on to say this was considered a dysfunctional personality. So it’s not good to be both spontaneous and schedule oriented? I wondered.

This is not the only personality test I have taken.  If assessments had heads, they would be left scratching them and trying to make sense of the results: “This gal is very weird. These results make no sense at all.”

Yes, I have a peculiar personality, but I’m learning to work with my strengths and grow through my weaknesses. My days are truer, brighter, and more restful (remember rest is my theme for this year) when I embrace who I am. I know I love to create, but need deadlines. I know I am a night owl who shouldn’t expect great things before 9am (I like to empty the dishwasher, make oatmeal, and not think too hard in the morning). I know I like to be with others, connect through conversation, and plan special events in my home. I like to shop, sort, and sing (but only for my kids). I really like books and hand-written notes (two things I collect). Knowing these traits about myself has helped me to discover how I am unique. 

There is something very restful when you not only accept yourself, but also realize your complex set of characteristics was crafted by God on purpose. A chapter in the Bible describes this idea of uniqueness and purpose. I have given some time to pouring over Psalm 139. It’s a page in my Bible that delights me each time I read it. David writes a song telling of how God knows him completely. The lyrics have lines like: 

“You have searched me”

“You understand my thoughts”

“Intimately acquainted with all my ways”

“You formed my inward parts”

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me”

“Know my anxious thoughts”

David knew God created him, thought of him extensively, wrote about him, and knew him intimately. This knowledge seemed to create a wonder and delight in David. He knew he was important since God took such careful and detailed watch of David.

Read Psalm 139 and see how your uniqueness was crafted on purpose for the life God designed for you. Answer the questions at the start of this blog, or take a thorough test like the one I took in Personality Plus. Learn your bent and beliefs. Discover the strength and simplicity of living in harmony with your personality. 

-Kassie Joy