*Just a note on my last post...I don't actually think I'm a failure. I was being silly. Sarcastic, funny, and just noting that I am not a running and it's near foolishness for me to even attempt to start running. I would hate for anyone to think of themselves as a failure because they think I believe I am a failure (You know that whole comparison game we all play? Yeah, don't do that!) so I just thought I would throw it out there that I was just being goofy in the last post. Read it again with that in mind and hopefully you will see what I mean. If not, well then I guess I'm a failure... Buh Dum Da! (<-- That was a slap stick drum roll thing)*
To clarify something about me...
I am a very specific type of nerd. And I prefer the term "Nerd" over "Geek" because I feel like "Nerd" has become socially acceptable and "Geek" still has negative connotations. Although, "geeking out" is a term I use quite often, I definitely consider myself my own brand of nerd.
I'm not a Treky or a Star Wars fanatic (although I do enjoy both!), I don't know very much about computers, I know almost nothing about math, (no really...almost nothing. It's quite sad...) and I wouldn't say I fit other traditional categories of nerd. But there are a few things about me that I love and I am not ashamed of...and it is my special brand of nerd. I thought in light of my running failure, I should share something I love about myself. And my Nerdiness is at the top of the list!
My particular brand of nerd is one that I have crafted over years of finding things I love and then obsessing over them until other people think I'm nuts. Yep, that's about it. Here's what I love:
- Books: I am a book worm. I love to read classic literature, post apocalyptic novels, fiction series, and really anything I can get my hands on that interests me. I usually don't just read the books I like once...in fact, I read them over and over again. My favorite books are worn out and I have memorized quotes and passages. I have stayed up until 5am reading, I have finished 500 page books in one sitting, I have even gone to midnight book releases before. I love to read you guys. Love love love to read.
- Movies: I own more movies than one person could watch in a year. I am a movie quoter and I can watch the same movie three times in one day. Think you recognize an actor or actress? I could probably tell you another film they've been in. Nerd alert.
- TV: Boy do I have a thing for my TV shows. I have my favorite TV shows on DVD and I am one of "those" people. The kind that talk about the show and dissect the plot and view the characters like they are real and cry with them. My crazy obsession shows are Doctor Who and The Walking Dead. Actually I could add Grey's Anatomy and The Office to that list too, but good golly, I could go on all day about my shows! Again...nerd alert!
- Music: If you saw my Itunes playlists or listened to what I listened to on a regular basis, you would be amazed at how often I can listen to just one song. You would also wonder why I have such a weird variety of music at any given moment. I love Top 40 and I love the most random obscure indie songs by artists you have never heard of...and everything in between. If I hear it and I like it, then I listen to it. And not just listen, I look up when and where it was written and by whom, and what the artist meant...and honestly it's all a bit...nerdy.
That's just a tiny glimpse into my nerdy life...I have an obsession with context and story and that is reflected in the things I love. It's no wonder I am so nerdy about my passions...it's part of who I am. Finding the heart of the issue and learning people's stories is something I'm driven to do and I believe it is what makes me a good listener and a good mentor to my teens. God has given me this passion to dig deeper and dive into people's stories, and while I love to use it in my nerdy adventures, my calling is to use it with the people around me. And that's what I plan to do!
What has God given you to use? It may be time to look at what you love and see how you can use those same things to glorify God, or maybe you have been using what you love and you haven't even noticed. Stop and take some time to reflect today on the things you have been gifted. Who knows...maybe your own brand of Nerdiness is exactly what God is calling you to use!
