Talking to Myself

When I first got saved, I knew almost nothing about God.  In a way it was good because I didn’t start my walk with Him full of preconceived ideas (those came later).  One result was that I talked to God like I would you if you were sitting beside me.  Since I spent a lot of time alone, I talked out loud; through school, college and every job I've ever had.  So, it goes without saying, I have heard these statements a lot.

              1.  You know, talking to yourself is a sign of insanity.

Me:  It’s the only intelligent conversation I can get around here.

              2.  You know, it’s okay to talk to yourself as long as you don’t answer yourself.

Me:  Why would I ask myself a question and not answer it?

             

              3.  Aren't you a little old to have imaginary friends?

Me:  Who says they’re imaginary?

I’ve also gotten some very pointed looks.  Then I would really drive home the insanity idea because I would realize I was talking out loud and laugh at myself; out loud, of course.

I looked up talking to yourself online and it seems the consensus is equally split and ranges from beginning signs of Schizophrenia to it might be the highest form of intelligence.  (I put myself in the last category, thank you.)  The middle ground proponents feel like it is a good problem solving tool.  I concur.  Any time I have a problem, talking it out with God is the best problem solving tool there is. 

But sometimes, I just want to talk.  Like when I walk outside and the sky is blanketed with stars. (It takes my breath away.)  Or when my great-nephews are grinning from ear to ear and covered from head to toe with dirt because they’ve been playing in the driveway. (The sheer joy on their faces is contagious.)  Or when there is a gentle rain and I’m standing out in it with my face raised to heaven. (Contented sigh.)  How about being on the back porch on a clear spring afternoon with a cool breeze blowing?  Isn’t that worth an out loud talk with God?  I think it is.

So if you come across a lady that looks like me and it seems like she is talking to the wind or laughing at nothing (there could be some dancing, skipping or generally acting strange thrown in), don’t think a thing about it.  Join me.  There’s always room for one more.