Today I learned something quite helpful. My friend had told me about this book: Strength Finders by Tom Roth. I've been wanting to get it for a while so that I could assess what my strengths truly are and then be better able to grow in and utilize them. Well, I was a bit surprised by some of my top strengths, but when I read into them further it made perfect sense! I'm not very much into self-improvement, but I like this book so that I can discover what I'm good at so that I can glorify God more with that.
Out of the 34 possible strength, mine were:
1) Connectedness- The secular description of this strength was a bit new agey, but I definitely see how this strength stands out in my life as a Christian. I do believe with all I am that everything happens for a reason. I also believe that God has a plan for each and every person on earth. As I admitted in english class the other day, I see the best in everyone. And after traveling around to various different countries, I see distinct differences but I see so many patterns. God is at work all across the world. His church is not one in a single building, it is global. I have this on my heart as I pray through Operation World each day. People everywhere need God's love and Jesus's grace. I see that and in that way feel a connectedness to others. That's the way God made me: with this strength that gives me such a burden for my grade, my school, my church, the global church, the world. That's why I want to write for a Christian missions or ministry organization after college. I want to connect Christians to God, other Christians, and to unbelievers who need to hear God's word.
2) Input- It would be surprising to some people I know, but I actually have strong opinions about a lot of subjects. Except, I am not the leader-type when it comes to sharing my opinion. Ask me to edit your essay, or explain what I am learning and I will give you my input. Having input is really important to a person who wants to go into writing or journalism. I really see how God is using that piece in the plan for my life as well.
3) Responsibility- Especially when it comes to schoolwork, I am very good at being responsible. I kind-of feel as if God has not asked too much extra out of me when it comes to responsibility, but I can imagine how He will challenge me with this in the future.
4) Achiever- This word would not surprise either of my parents or any of my friends. God has given me a natural inclination toward striving to achieve. This is a gift, especially when it comes to work and school, but I have to be careful to not let this come before people in my life. I tend to put friendships on the backburner sometimes to ambition, and this is never good. I pray that God will give me that balance.
5) Intellection- This strength, I believe, is because I like reading and I love to take part in deep conversations. I am not a big fan of small talk, although sometimes it's hard to smoothly transfer from shallow conversation to deep thoughts. This strength goes with connectedness in that I want to hear what is going on deep within people's lives. I want to hear their hopes deep down. The irony to all this is my own personal struggle to share really openly with others.
It shouldn't not all about me, ever. But I feel as if finding out these strengths helped solidify the calling I feel God has on my life. :) If I can use my life to bring Him glory, that's what matters more.
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