The Power of Such a Simple Phrase

"How are you doing today?"

This phrase works wonders. Every time I'm out and about either at a Starbucks, checking out at the grocery store, or addressing a hostess at a restaurant, I ask that simple question. It makes a world of difference. Instantly, a relaxed, thankful look from the eyes of the barista or checkout person becomes apparent.

It continues to blow my mind how fast-paced our society is, and how rude people can be. I get the fact that we all have 34091 things going at once, but really-- how difficult is it just to humanize the person that is helping you out by asking them how they are doing?

Today, my family and I went to the movie theater to check out Sherlock Holmes and as we pulled up we knew we weren't the only family with this idea. There were lines at the ticket office, and even inside to give the person your ticket. After we got our tickets, we went inside and waited in the next line. Before getting to the employee, I could tell he looked harried and somewhat overwhelmed. As I was handing him the tickets for my sister and I, I asked him how he was, and he looked absolutely shocked that he almost didn't know how to answer. The look on his face was priceless, in such an awesome way :)

In a way, there is a little bit of a risk in asking someone how their day is... from a crude point of view, I think some people don't ask how employees are doing as a way to better themselves and refuse to associate with someone 'lower' than them socially. That absolutely disgusts me, and I hope that case is not prevalent. In my opinion, I think people don't want to risk attempting to care for fellow human-beings. There's the risk of talking to a complete stranger, or that maybe the person will be honest and say they are having a bad day, or that maybe they will just blow you off. Despite these risks, we should ask how people are doing, because it serves a greater purpose.

As a Christ-follower, I believe we are all "Image-Bearers" as we were made in the image as God designed us to be... therefore, it should a pragmatic approach to ask how fellow image-bearers are doing. It only takes a second, and it could make all the difference for someone having a rough day.

Well that's enough ranting for now, I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas, and best blessings for 2010 if I don't blog til then!