Are You Really?

November 30, 2022

“Fine.”

It’s what I call a conditioned response. If someone asks how we’re doing, that’s the first thing that pops out. We may have a sore knee, money might be tight, or we’re frazzled from too much to do. Still, we are “fine.”

It’s really not a lie. As long as we have a place to live, a little money in the bank, and something to eat we are better off than three-fourths of people in the world. I’m sure you’ve heard that statistic. We also know that no one likes a complainer. What bothers me is the insincerity. We don’t think about what we say, or listen carefully when somebody else gives the expected response.

Some of the responsibility belongs to the listener. I should follow up with, “How was your son’s football season this year?” Or maybe I could ask about the pets. I could say, “I love your purple hair.” I need to show some real interest.

We could also trust our friends with a little more depth about our situations. “I’m fine, but it’s been a hectic couple of weeks.” Maybe we can remind them that this will be the first holiday season without Mom or Grandpa, and waves of tearful nostalgia slip in, now and then.

Everywhere we go, for the next four weeks, people will be saying, “Merry Christmas!” Will it just be a conditioned response? Let’s not let it be. Make sure you add a warm smile, looking them right in the eye. Perhaps you could even expand on it, with a playful, “Don’t work too hard, and I’ll try to take my own advice!”, or, “Be sure to drive down Main Street when you get a chance. Those storefronts have gone all out with their lights this year.” Take time to make a connection.

Please know that my ‘Merry Christmas’ includes a bagful of love. I’m wishing you a heartfelt celebration of Jesus’ birth, the biggest event of all time. We are not just fine. We’re blessed.