I find myself incapable of resisting the delectable combination of chocolate and peanut butter, tickling tiny toes, and completing multiple choice personality tests. Perhaps it’s the puzzle of trying to figure out what I have in common with a pair of cotton pajamas, a Golden Retriever, and a Daffodil that swells the intrigue? Or maybe it’s because I have never taken one that lived up to its promise of defining me? Regardless the why and despite the let downs, I still take the tests.
I once completed a most unscientific ditty entitled What Punctuation Mark Are You? The title screams DO NOT TAKE ME SERIOUSLY. But is there a writer on the planet who could live without knowing what punctuation mark she most resembles? So I did what any respectable grammar-loving gal would do…I checked five boxes and hit submit.
My result? The comma.
At the time, I didn’t get it. I felt like I was more of a question mark. After all, I certainly have many questions. But now, the more I think about that nonsensical little quiz, the more I think it was right. I am a lot like the comma. But not because that is really my personality trait, but because there is a little comma in all of us.
A comma can be sensitive. It likes to be included…needed…but not overused. An out of place comma stands out louder than an exclamation point. A personified comma would also be a peacemaker of sorts…someone who brings others together.
Those traits mimic many of mine and probably a few of yours. But I think what I most have in common with the versatile comma is that I am unfinished.
Commas are imperative when listing a series of items. They separate the items and let the reader know that there is more to follow. Also, sentences never end with a comma.
I am not yet a completed work. There is so much more to my complicated story…more to add…more to understand. On my own, I am incomplete, but I know that the best is yet to come.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6
If you were a punctuation mark, which one would you be?
ABOUT ANGELA NAZWORTH
Angela Nazworth is a flawed and forgiven wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She’s also an encourager, a lover of good books, coffee, girl's night out, sunshine, and waterfalls. In the...
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
Ha – I was so intrigued I had to go take the quiz! Apparently I’m a question mark and I’d get o just great with you! :)
Hopefully we’ll meet this side of heaven for lunch someday. If not, we’ll have to get together in “finished form!” :-)
Great post! Wonderful.
Thank YOU
Unfinished… amen.
-H
Just seeing your picture on here reminds me how much I yearn to give you a big hug!
I think there are moments in my life where I want to be a period. Everything is going well, it’s a beautiful season of life. . let’s just stop right here.
But more moments of life I am happily a comma, a list, an incomplete work. Thank God. I need that comma!
In the darker, more difficult times. . . a question mark. Why? What next?
And when a truth is revealed more clearly and my walk feels closer than ever. . a great big exclamation point! Yes!
Maybe I’m the whole grammar book?
LOVED your response. And I agree that we all have a little bit of everything in us. :-)
I absolutely love this post!
I’m totally the comma, all the way! Waiting and anxious for the “more” that is yet to come.
Thank you, Amy!!
If you were a punctuation mark, which one would you be? I would be (or was just now according to the online test) a colon.
Today’s post reminded me of a beautiful canvas by Gitz (gitzengirl.blogspot.com); the picture in question is http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lCeOMfY0_fQ/ScmeSLBzfhI/AAAAAAAACsk/2zJOqGqajQI/_MG_5285%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800
Thank you so much for posting that picture. Gorgeous! I am not sure if I saw it before or not…but I probably have and the message stuck somewhere in my mind. Gitz owns the most beautiful heart, doesn’t she?
Not sure … I guess I will have to take the quiz …. but I do like to over use the …
and this was an awesome, entertaining, down to earth, fun post with a powerful message at the end.
Thanks Angela
Thank you so much!
enjoyed this:) i liek the “unfinished”ness of the comma…it gives hope for tomorrow!
Hope is so beautiful, isn’t it?
I would gather I am a comma as well. I am going to have to take that test!
I think we’re all a mix. But the quiz was fun and thinking about it in a spiritual way is soul food.
I loved this little devotional for the day. Thank you:-)
Thank you, Pammaw!
Angela,
Guess what, I’m a comma also. I loved the part about being unfinished!! I don’t think I’ll ever be finished & complete until I reach Heaven!!
Angela,
Guess what, I’m a comma also. I loved the part about being unfinished!! I don’t think I’ll ever be finished & complete until I reach Heaven!!
Beth, I agree 100 percent
I would love to say that I am an exclamation point. Not meaning that I am finished in anyway whatsoever, but that everything that I say or do will exclaim CHRIST LOVES YOU!!!!!!
Love that, Jenny! You keep exclaiming!! :)
Ok, Angela, when I read the first part of the first line, I was sure this was Lisa Jo talkin’ about chocolate; how fun to see your post unravel in another direction.
I was surprised to see I, too, was a comma! On most of the five questions, I had a tough time choosing between two of the answers (in one case I wanted to answer all of the above!!), so I wonder what mark I would’ve been if I had gone with my (apparently) second choice.
How precious to consider we’re works in progress, with God at work in and through our circumstance. I’m thankful for that….. :)
The (in) sisterhood bond is pretty tight…I think I channel a little bit of everyone from time to time. As I wrote this post, the thought that others would be seeking this little personality test never crossed my mind. I love it that so many took it just for fun along with me. And I love even more how God is found in everything, even the silly. Thanks for your encouragement, Robin!
:-) I’m a semicolon, unsure of my usage.
Always supporting those around you! You do that so well.
Oh, this post is so witty, entertaining, and thought-provoking, too! I never considered what punctuation mark I’d be, but as a fellow writer, I must find out! I hope I’m not an ellipsis…
Thank you for the compliments. And I LOVE the ellipsis.
Oh, so beautiful! Yes, I feel I am a comma, too! Thank you for this lovely, joy and hope-filled post!
You are so welcome! Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave me a note.
ola como esta
What a clever “personality test” of sorts. Ha ha Very cute post. Thank you so much!
I found the quiz online and I am an exclamation mark !!!!!!! hmmmmmm…….
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