Recently, I finally ventured into the Enneagram phenomenon. As someone who is passionate about others pursuing their God given purpose in this world, it ironically took a while to jump on this train.
I’m not sure what I was waiting for. I teach SHAPE and spiritual gifts classes at my church, obsess about the Meyers-Briggs, and love all insight into the ways God has masterfully created us.
So it was no surprise that my assessment indicated that I was a “one.” To summarize, I fall into the category of “Reformer.” The Enneagram Institute’s short description is eerily accurate:
“Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic”
Surprises make my heart race-not in the euphoric, whimsical manner. My mind spins as I attempt to find a way to grap onto a morsel of control. What am I to do with my expectations that have been interrupted?
I thrive on routine. It brings security to my spirit. But it doesn’t mean it’s always in my best interest.
Who we are is connected to so many factors. Our God who knits us together uses a variety of threads. Some of the handiwork begins in the womb. More stitches are added as we discern our movements and engage in the world around us. Those beautiful threads of mercy and grace continue to patch up holes and create a beautiful work out of us
Through it all, our Creator’s purpose for us never ceases. Never.
The Enneagram explains much of who I am. But I am grateful that God doesn’t let us sit with contentment in human observations.
Recently, my routine has been altered. Growing children, new jobs, emerging callings and the intentional touch of my Creator’s hand in my heart push me toward embracing life out of my comfort zone. New stitches have begun.
But I find comfort in the reshaping. I am being shaped in the image of my Creator. And that’s where my true identity is found.
What have you discovered about yourself? How are you being stretched?
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Love this! I’m an enneagram 2! I’m in the 45 spot this week.
Stephanie,
I’m a 2 on the Ennaugram (I know I spelled it wrong lol) which really explains the helper in me and wanting to loved for me. Those really stood out when I took the test. I’m being stretched in breaking up with a friend (and not wanting to all..having to restrain myself from reaching out about this book she gave me to read. It’s one of her favorites and I’m almost done.). And waiting. Waiting to see what God is doing and why he’s made my surgery an even longer wait than what it was originally. Everything just feels like one long wait and a deep leaning into Him. But I know it’s teaching me passionate patience even if somedays I’m not at all.
It’s so easy to cling to the parts of us that we find comfortable and usually bring fulfillment. Yet, I think God reminds us to remember who formed us and purposes us.
Interesting post, Stephanie. You prodded me to take an Enneagram test, and I wound up a Loyalist, with a strong dose of reformer.
I’m being stretched…like, on the rack. As I write this I would do almost anything to mitigate the pain and nausea and other bad things that are getting worse every day.
Routines are my lifeline. Having a lot of dogs, there is still a lot I have to do, and being needed in just this routine way has, I think, helped keep me functioning, and alive.
Andrew, I’m grateful for your words. I do not take them for granted. Routine brings stability yet also challenges us to move when we’d rather not.
I enjoy Myers-Briggs and Ennegram stuff, too (though it does bother me when people put big spiritual emphasis behind what is simply human observation/ideas). I’m an INTJ and a 5, which means I’m “the intense, cerebral type: perceptive, innovative, secretive and isolated.” In short, I can be SUPER selfish with my time and abilities, which can make serving in the way God wants me to…something I don’t always want. I love my routines, and believe in the necessity of routine, but I’m also constantly being challenged by the Spirit to allow Him to set the agenda.