Several times a day I hear, “How are you feeling? I mean Really feeling?” People actually want to know; I get it. I’m so blessed to have many who truly care. Still, it’s easy to snap back with a shallow “Fine, I’m fine.” That’s so rude.  

But how can you show appreciation and respect for a sincere inquiry?  Try this.

              (1) Act like it’s the first time you’ve ever been asked this question.  

              (2) Reply with just enough information to satisfy your considerate friend, not burdening them with all the details your doctor would be seeking.  

              (3) Gracefully shift the focus to your friend or to another topic, having expressed your genuine thankfulness.

Lately, I’ve been saying this: “Thanks for asking. I can truly say that I’m learning to be content.”  

What would it take for you to honestly say what Paul wrote to inquiring friends in ancient Greece from his jail cell in Rome?  

“I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.”  (Philippians 4:11-13)

‍