"So, how are you doing?" my friend asked me. We were past the small talk phase of our conversation, and we were talking about God stuff.
I stared uncomfortably down at my plate of chicken teriyaki. Did he know how long it had been since somebody asked me that?
I am grateful for his question, because the truth is... not as well as I'd like, which means... not really all that well. I could make all kinds of excuses. I have a lot of work to do and a lot of it is time-consuming administrative stuff that I haven't had to do in a while (thanks to past secretaries!) and I'm still not doing them very efficiently. I have a new baby boy who is also taking up a lot of time. I have pre-teen/early teen girls who are giving me some gray hair. I have many meetings to attend. I have lots of... lots of excuses.
In the midst of caring for my family, keeping the church worship and music ministry moving, serving as a team member on a church staff, etc., etc., etc., I have allowed my walk with God to move from first place to second place to third place to...
So my friend's question was a wakeup call. And I'm grateful.
Here's the kicker: my friend who asked me this question is a teenager. He is heavily involved in church youth groups, he has a regular quiet time and he's on fire for God. As I talk with him, I hear myself at his age. He is passionate for God - for righteousness - for the real deal.
That was then -- shouldn't that be now, too? Lately I've realized that I've been doing a lot of stuff... on my own, not in the power of the Holy Spirit.
A few weeks ago I felt a burden to start reading a book I haven't read since high school... Isaiah. I think I've blogged on it once or twice. The Word of God is living and active! Isaiah is as relevant today as it was when it was written thousands of years ago. I am so thankful that God is faithful to woo His wandering children back to Him. My desire is to keep my first love burning brightly in my spirit... abiding in the vine.
So, to my friend who asked me, "How are you doing?" this week, let me say,
"Thanks! I needed that!"
