Everyone knows I love dogs. It's obviously not something I hide, but it's not all of who I am.
Some relationships with others are only on one level. All they know about me and all we talk about are dogs. I realize that this topic is the only one they know to talk with me about, but if it's the only one they talk to me about, then of course it's the only one they're going to bring up, and so, it will be the only thing I talk to them about. When you only relate with someone on one topic, that's all you see.
I am so much more than just about dogs, though, and it does get a little wearying to only talk about one thing all the time. If you know me at all, you know I have an opinion on everything, even things I shouldn't! Of course, this is not necessarily a good thing; but my point is, that I love talking about anything and everything possible. If I don't know about something, I will research it and find out as much as I can until I get bored and move on. I enjoy learning about science, literature, languages, cultures, music, horses, theology, culinary arts, fine arts, history, psychology, and so much more. I love picking things apart and figuring out the whys and wheres of anything possible.
I do love a good debate, though, and oftentimes, I will take the opposite viewpoint of what I actually believe because I enjoy arguing with everyone, even myself, and it also keeps me from stagnating mentally and I understand why I believe what I believe. It keeps me open-minded, but also reinforces many of my beliefs.
Maybe it's my fault for not being as forthcoming about other interests as I am about dogs, but it may surprise you (NOT!) to know I get anxious in social situations, even with close friends, so I fall back on what topics I know the most about. It's humorous to me that I work at a company that designs presentations and provides training on how to deliver presentations, and yet, I cannot comfortably speak in front of more than 5 people without disassociating until my contribution is over(Is that irony? I can't remember my high school English lessons). I really dread being in the spotlight, even when I'm in my "comfort zone."
It's easy to assume what others like, dislike, thoughts on current events, or struggles. The problem with paying attention to only one facet of a person is that you ignore the rest of them and then I wonder can you ever really say you like or love that person?
God knows all sides of me, all moods, all "personalities", etc. The wonder of it all is that He doesn't reject me. I'm not saying I am the worst possible sinner, but I am definitely not even close to being a saint.
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You Won't Let Go - Michael W. Smith
No shadow comes without the light making a way
No raging storm can ever defy one word of faith
My heart remains sure in the wind, sure in the waves
You are the anchor for my soul
You won't let go
You won't let go
No matter what may come I know
You won't let go
You won't let go
No valley low, changes the truth
So I'm not afraid
You hold me close
You lead me through and light up the way
Neither life, neither death,
The highest high, the deepest depth
Nothing can
Nothing can separate
Neither tears, neither trial
Certain as the sun will rise
Nothing can
Nothing can separate
My heart remains sure in the wind, sure in the waves, always.
