I AM NOT FINE

Politeness and good manners are the cornerstone of the South.  When asked how we are from a very young age, we respond, "Fine, how are you?" without a thought. We could be a computer on automatic response.   We are taught to say we are fine before we learn to walk.  After all who wants to hear you aren't fine.  We ALL run from anyone who dares to give their long laundry list of complaints--real or imagined--if they dare to respond from the expected norm.  Why I dare say even the "Pray for me," response would have the best well wisher heading for the exit.  UNLESS, there might be a tad of news to relay from the conversation. 


     

If we all stopped to share how we "REALLY" are, and waited for the "REAL" response, when we asked in return how they were, we wouldn't get anything done EVER!  My poor trainer makes the mistake of asking each session how I am.  He does not get the standard expected reply, instead he gets to hear about what's currently hurting.  (Side note--getting old is not for sissies!)  It would seem after training me for a few months he would realize something always is hurting.  So the question is not if I am hurting, but how bad does it hurt?  Some days he just asks, "How's the hip?".  He has learned he will not get the entire laundry list if he asks specifically about the problem I come for.     

WHO is really fine in today's world?  The world is not an easy place.  If you aren't bruised, hurting, in pain, sick, in distress, worried, angry, jealous, defeated, depressed, lonely, or at least concerned, you must have your blinders on, or just wait, your time is coming.  I consider it a great privilege to pray for others, but sometimes I am overwhelmed by all the needs.



We become so desensitized to not being fine, that we begin to accept it as normal.  Or we decide to stick our head in the sand and ignore the obvious of what is going on all around us.  How could anyone be fine in today's world of anger, hate, turmoil, chaos, tragedy, starvation, human trafficking, suicide, addictions ~~~?  The enemy is wandering around wrecking lives and stealing joy and all is not fine!

BUT GOD!  ONLY with God's help are we fine.  We are more than fine, we are blessed to be called a Child of the King---His Beloved.  Without my quiet still time with Him, the world begins to look bleak and lost.  But God reminds me of Who He is and What He has done for me.  I am not fine, but I am at peace--knowing Who is God Almighty.  I have read the end of the book and I know how all this ends.  For that reason, and that reason only---I am fine.


If then you have been raised with Christ,
 seek the things that are above, where Christ is,
 seated at the right hand of God.
 Set your minds on things that are above,
 not on things that are on earth.
 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
 When Christ who is your life appears, 
then you also will appear with him in glory.
                                            Colossians 3:1-4                                                          

2 comments

  1. Yes, Lulu, in that case, we are all truly fine and dandy. Thank you, Lord, for Your love and grace and peace.
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!