Gratitude Day 457

Thurs., May 15, 2020

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.”

It’s a question that we’ve asked a million times: “How are you doing?”

We ask that when we see someone we know. At the grocery store. On the phone (for those of us who still make phone calls.)

How are you doing?

When I’m asked this question, I often wonder, “Does this person REALLY want to know how I am? Or are they being nice? Or do the words just come out of their mouth automatically without really thinking about this?”

I know that when I’ve asked this question and my intentions could be all of these options and more.

I find it interesting how folks respond.

“Good.”

“OK.”

“Fine.”

I’ve used all of those answers … and other words that really never get to how I’m really feeling.

So, let me ask you: How ARE you REALLY doing?”

May is mental health month. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard a lot about it this year because, well, there are other things like a little pesky virus that have monopolized our news media.

But if ever there was a time, we need a time to ask folks how they are REALLY doing, it’s right now.

Seriously.

Unfortunately, the statistics are there. As people experience more isolation, the incidences of abuse, neglect, anger, and abuse increase. Chargeable offenses increase. As much as we have tried to protect the health of folks, there is the possibility that folks are struggling emotionally and mentally right now.

I have noticed that in myself, I question myself a lot more. It’s easy for my brain to go places where it would not previously go. I have to guard myself from letting “possibilities” influence “reality.”

So, how ARE you REALLY doing?

Too often, we are asked this question once. We give a quick answer. On to the next thing. But right now, I’m asking you this personal question directly to you.

Take a hot minute. Stop and think about this. Do you feel yourself supported and uplifted on a daily basis? Are you making sure there is joy and happiness in your life? Where do you find yourself challenged?

If you are missing regular conversation and interaction with folks, build some into your daily life. Ask someone else. Show concern when they share. Give a thoughtful answer. And hopefully, they will ask how you are doing as well. If they don’t? Go ahead and share any way.

In these days, we NEED community. Connection. Safe places to go. Know when it’s too much. Please, please, please remember that God IS right there as well. Ready to grab more than God’s share of the yoke. If we’ll allow God to grab it. God certainly knows our souls need rest. Do WE know this and practice it?

May we take care of each other and ourselves these days. And genuinely want to know how each other are doing.

For being OK to say how I’m truly feeling, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Almighty God – It’s so easy to give a flat and quick answer when someone asks how we are doing. And yet, there are times when we need to allow ourselves to think about this a bit more. Hear how others really are doing. And may we come to You when our burden needs sharing. Amen.

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