When I was finishing junior high, I asked my youth minister, Craig to sign my yearbook. He requested that I leave the yearbook with him and allow him to look at it first. The next day I picked up my yearbook with an entry I have read probably hundreds of times since.
Craig said something about how everyone commented on how smart I was, but he warned about allowing that to be my only definining quality.
When I was in rehab, I had a pleasant visit with the psychologist. She asked me about my self identity. Besides thinking or being smart how do I define myself?
I sure wish I had heeded Craig’s advice. I have other attributes, but thinking is one of my favorite activities. Pondering is what I do. The Shepherd and I have coffee together nearly every day… and we ponder things.
I do not regret being one to ponder. I just wish I felt more well rounded. That I knew how to rely on other qualities than thinking.