Salty Zebra

  How are you doing?   TLDR; I’m fine… I’m good   I have been more aware lately when asked how I am doing. I often dislike that question as I know the expected answer is supposed to be something along the lines of, I am fine.   That is far from the correct answer, and it bothers me equally answering falsely as much as it bothers me when someone is asking me how I am doing and not actually caring how I am doing.   I believe that most people do not do this intentionally, just that it has become so habitual that it is part of who they are.   I challenge you to either stop using that introductory phrase, or to immediately follow up with an affirmation that you really do care how someone is doing. Let them know that you have a few minutes and really do want to hear how they are doing, and how you can at least pray for them. If stopping to hear how someone is doing is out of your comfort zone, why not try being honest when you are having a really crappy day...

I would love to be able to say that I take pleasure in my weakness (2 Corinthians 2:8-10), shine bright for all to see (Matthew 5:16), and count it joy to navigate trials (James 1:2). However, in reality, I am fine. I am neither here nor there and neither happy nor sad. I reside somewhere in the middle. I remain steadfast to NOT reside in the muck, sitting and wallowing in the suck. Too often I focus on what is going wrong; an illness, financial crisis, relationship struggles, disorganized environment, or uncertainty.  I find myself doubting my ability to navigate my circumstances, provide value to those around me, or measure up to my own expectations. If I could only stop making mistakes, stop being selfish, and stop being lazy. I want to contribute more, feel more, and be more. And yet, I really am enough, even when I am barely hanging on taking care of myself. There are times in our lives where what we need to do, what is best ...