Preferences

Personal preferences should never hold us back. I prefer lots of things like not getting dirty after I've showered, sleeping in. But, if I let personal preference rule out, I would miss opportunities for growth. I have recently heard things said like "that's not my thing." "I'm not really into that."

It's sad really...

My Dad once gave me advice on being a friend. He suggested that I not just expect someone to do the things that I enjoy but that I engage in other's favorite activities. So, I played tennis....once..with a friend who was really, really good at it. I didn't take up the sport but, I remember that day. It was a shared experience.

We shouldn't get so caught up in activities and past times that we miss people and experiences. When we step out of our preferences, we learn so much and gain great stories.

I'm not much of an outdoors guy but, I once took up an invite to go kayaking with some friends. It was my first time and it was a good time! I shared the experience with Tim, Zach, and Nathan. I got really sun burned and I was an hour late to work. There were spots where my paddle dragged the bottom of the river and there were deep drop offs. I turned the kayak over a couple of times. It's not my thing but, I had a great time with great people!

Sometimes, we mask our inhibitions with preferences.

I have missed out on many great opportunities by being concerned that I would not have a good time or that I might be terrible at the activity.

Any story that I have that is worth retelling involves letting my inhibitions go and putting my preferences aside to embrace experiences. To embrace people.

When we choose to be involved only in the things that we prefer, we miss out on the things that stretch us, build us, build community, and strengthen relationships.