I was walking to the library today and someone I know walked by and said, "Hey, how are you?". We all know the typical response to this is something along the lines of "I'm fine! How are you?" And that's what I said. But not before the thousand little thoughts that run through your head in a split second came along. Stressed, worried, annoyed, tired...all of those were tempted to fly from my tounge. After all, that's how I'm feeling at the moment. It's finals time and this is my last semester of classes before I'll student teach in the fall. But I said "I'm good!".
How many times in the past week, month, year have you and I said this? Why in the world do we lie to people who ask us how we are? Sure, it is a bit of a rhetorical question. Our acquaintance passing us on the sidewalk or in Walmart doesn't really have any desire for us to pour out our life burdens on them when they're late for class or just buying a loaf of bread! We all know the person who when you ask them the question, start out with something like, "Well, not so good! First, this morning...then...". You know the one! It's not someone you know well, it's just that random person you see once in awhile. So now when you see them, you immediately say to yourself, "Just say hello. Keep walking." It makes us uncomfortable when virtual strangers share their life with us, right?
But I've been chasing rabbits here. Back to the original point, why do we lie and say we're fine? After I said I was good this morning, I thought to myself, "Me, good right now? Yeah right! What a lie!" But then I heard that still, small voice:
"You're not good? You're saved, aren't you? You're forgiven! You have a best friend that never leaves you! You're loved beyond your wildest dreams! You have a mom, dad, and sister who love you! A church family who loves you and you love! Friends who are always there for you! Food in abundance, every bit of clothes you need and then some!"
Guess I needed a reality check, huh? I worry about all of these things that seem to make my life so bad, but when I stand still for just a second and reflect on what I really have, it looks to me like life is good! I'm saved, so when I say "I'm fine" there are never truer words!
When I'm stressed over passing math, God's still on His throne!
When I'm worried about my future, Jesus already knows the amazing plans He has for me!
When I'm wondering if Mr. Right will ever come along, I'm already loved more than I know!
When I'm exhausted from studying all night, Jesus promises to be my strength!
If this post doesn't seem to go along with the memories theme of this blog to you, think of it as a new memory I've made! A lesson learned that I'll always remember! So the next person that comes along and says "Hey, how are you?" I can say with and honest heart, "I'm just fine!"
So how are you today?
