How Are You?

We are social people, and we commonly ask, “How are you?” and “How are things going?” I have been pondering these sentiments lately and how I would react if someone said, “You know, I am not good.” In reality, we all have bad days, tough times, and waves of grief to navigate in the seasons of our lives. When I ask someone, “How are you” do I genuinely mean it, or is it a placeholder for conversation? I am aware that these sentiments, especially in the “South,” are well intended; in fact, it is considered good manners to look someone in the eye and ask these questions. However, the moral of this story is that you never know what a person is going through. These thoughts may or not be familiar to you, but they strike a chord with me when I take the time to honestly think about them.

• If only you would have been there, God - X, Y, Z never would have occurred.

• Why did you allow that to happen? I do not feel your presence. Where are you?

• Why can’t I get past this?

• How can I forgive and forget? You set the model of forgiving those who persecuted you, but I don’t know how to do that.

• I want to accept your healing, Jesus, but I do not know the way forward…I feel unworthy of your mercy.

• I feel restless, and I am fighting the fact that I can’t sit with you in prayer.

• I’m envious of ________. If only I had _______ I would be happier - more fulfilled - successful.

There are countless sources vying for our time and attention. Our schedules are crammed full of events, obligations, social engagements, and the everyday responsibilities of our daily lives. I have recently sat down and asked myself, “What is taking up the most space in my life?” “Is that source life-giving and adding value to my goals, interests, and passions?” This has held me accountable for the areas I want to improve on. It has also helped me pinpoint the influences and priorities that are not good for me mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

• Productivity is good, but don’t place too much effort on DOING all the time. Rest is important.

• Being present to each person I encounter no matter where I am - at work, church, running errands, etc.

• Accepting that everything does not have to be 110% together all the time.

• Practicing situational awareness and trying to refrain from imposing stereotypes or judgment.

• You can navigate being a daughter, wife, sister, and friend with the right balance. These are important roles I play, but first and foremost, my identity is Daughter of Christ.

Reviewing our shortcomings and failures is not easy, but that’s not the purpose of my blog today. The questions I know I need to be asking myself are - “What is taking up the most space in my life?” “Is that source life-giving and adding value to my goals, interests, and passions?”

From an early age, we have been pressed to achieve - make the right grades, go to the best school, land our dream job, and build an impressive life. In our jobs and careers, most of us will spend more of our waking hours at work than at home. That is a humbling reality, and I am not saying that is a bad thing, but it directs us to this simple truth - what we build in our jobs is not eternal. It fades away…it is depleted…it leaves, but what we create in our lives is individualized. No one shares the exact same talents, skills, and aptitude as you. So today, whether you are on the top of the world, somewhere in the middle, or at your wit's end - I am offering you a place to start.

What questions do you need to be asking yourself? Dig deep - it might be painful… but addressing the good things in our world and identifying the less-than-ideal habits and behaviors we possess is liberating. Time will always be slipping away, and I will try my best not to waste the gift of today. We are never promised tomorrow. Building a life for ourselves is important, but having a satisfied and holy life is something entirely different.

So How Are You Today?

Poor in Spirit?

Mourning?

Meek?

Hungry?

Thirsty?

Feeling Persecuted?

He has seen it all, and he’s not afraid to meet you in the middle of the mess. Jesus has met me there several times, and yet I have also slammed the door in his face - seeking to handle it all in my own way on my own terms. I need help from Him and accountability from genuine friends. And you know what, sometimes I am not okay, but of this one thing, I am absolutely certain = Jesus has it covered, and I can’t do it all on my own.

Matthew 5:3-12 The Beatitudes

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Lady K's One Thing:

Homemade Sourdough bread topped with Chili Garlic Crisp Asian Everything Sauce!

Thanks for reading,

Lady K