It's a question we, as leaders, are accustomed to asking of others. Sometimes the responses come to us in the form of a quick "fine," while other answers are much more detailed. At times we hear more than we wish to hear. While often we don't know what the responses to this question may bring... we strive to stay equipped to help with scriptures, prayer, and a listening ear. That's our job, right? But it's more than a job. We really do care.I ask myself this question often, and have several spiritual sisters who never fail to ask me this question. I appreciate that. I need it. Sometimes I pause before answering, because life can get so busy I have to stop and think about the question and an honest answer. Other times I might cry as I answer, as I think of my husband's health challenges. There are many times when I'm really excited about something that is going on. Most of the time I feel pretty okay with answering, "pretty well." So, what does that even mean?
Here's how I evaluate my answer:
The difficult or good circumstances that we face vary from person to person and from day to day. Those circumstances we usually can't control. The one thing we can control is how we are doing amidst those trials and blessings. So, I ask myself:
1. How am I doing with God? Am I seeking him, really relying on him today? Is my time in the Bible just preparing lessons for others, or do I also seek God's message for me? If I am close to God, in his word, and talking with him...that's a good day. I need daily bread.
He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread." -- Luke 11:2-3 (NIV)
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." -- Psalm 84:10 (NIV)
If you aren't feeling close to the Lord, you know you can change that today? He is always waiting. Go off and pray; fast; read; do something different to reconnect. Whatever it takes, as nothing is more important.
Read more...
