An elder of LPC was once talking about getting to know people, and how often we ask someone how they are doing. We usually get the answer, “I’m fine”, or “I’m ok”- an answer that is short and, to tell the truth, pretty much what we expect to hear. This elder encouraged us to take things a step farther and ask, “How are you, really?.” So often our conversations are in passing. What would it be like if we were to pause, go a little deeper, extend a little more interest, and a little more caring?
The truth is that everyone has a story. We are often wrapped up in our own story- which makes sense as we are living it every day, and it affects us deeply. Take a moment here and reflect. Don’t we often gain so much more when we emerge from our self interest and engage someone in their story? It’s amazing to learn what someone else’s journey is- we often have no idea what another person is going through. We can gain so much respect for another’s life, and we learn so much more, and we can grow so much more. The person who was just a nice face becomes more- they become a person with meaning and depth and a story. A story of how God is working in their life.
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (NLT)
The longer we live, the more appreciation most of us have in knowing that “life is short”. Some life stories have mortality set upon them due to illness or other circumstances. I heard of a Christian author, who, after being diagnosed with advanced cancer, said that he wished everyone had that diagnosis because a person lives differently. Life became so much more to be appreciated, and lived, and noticed- and thereby a person might grow a little wiser, and life a little fuller, and God might come a little closer.
Take the time to not only know your story, but reach out to know someone else’s story. Life is short, and this is worth doing. I guarantee you that the blessings are there to give and to receive. You may be the face of God that someone needs to see. They may have the story that sets your soul aright. We say here at Lincoln that we want to know and love God, to know and love people. Let’s value that. So….How are you, really?