Forts and Fortification

Today is the birthday of a very special friend, and I don't have the pleasure of sharing time with her today due to circumstances out of my control and prior appointments/commitments.  Why am I mentioning her?  Because we fortify one another.

We can find fortification in many things - food, fellowship, fluids, fitness, and even finances; but the greatest form of fortification is our faith.  As a lifelong introvert, I'm good at walling myself in - especially when I feel sad or solemn, but I also fortify myself in solitude - even when I'm at a blissful state.  Extroverts are energized in the company of others; but introverts quickly become depleted, especially those who are as empathetic as I've always been.  It's just one of the many ways God made us all a bit different, and I've only recently come to embrace that part of my makeup rather than loathe it (wishing for the world that I was wired differently).

Part of developing as an individual and as a believer is trusting the Author to have rightly-cast and rightly-scripted each of us to reflect Him uniquely.  Another part for me is learning to let others into my "blanket fort" sometimes.  It's about balance, honor, and grace.

What else fortifies?  Play.  We are strengthened in many ways by giggles and getting out in the sunshine.  We can untie our knots and unite in Twister.  Jumping rope helps us get untangled too.

Jotting with Johnna
What or who do you think of when you consider yourself laughing?  smiling?  giggling?  playing?
What activities did you enjoy when you were a kid?  Could you air up your bike tires and go for a spin - just for fun (er, fortification)?  Maybe find a game, book, or movie that makes you laugh and see how much better you feel.  What ideas spring to mind?  It's a great way to make memories while you also become more healthy mentally, emotionally, and physically.  If you incorporate these with friends (like my jovial birthday-having friend), you'll even become healthier socially.

I didn't have much time today for jotting this to you and jetting off to my next appointment; but I decided it would fortify me to get it done.

Remember:  you are so very worthy of finding out what you need and securing that within reason, and you are worthy of what it takes to instill fortifying play into your life.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.