Given the uncertainties of these times, we need to come up with better questions to ask each other.

So, How Are You?
How are you doing? This standard greeting can take a person to depths they don’t want to go.
We all know how we are doing . . . Fine, just F.I.N.E.!
Instead of asking, How are you doing, try asking: What are you binge watching on Netflix or Amazon Prime?
So, how am I doing?
Currently, I am hooked on Criminal Minds. It is actually better than watching the news.
No, it’s not the best use of my time.
However, at least I can fast forward through the horrifying parts. I can’t do that on the news. And the series reminds me to pray for the people who daily face the stories behind the headlines.
A character on one episode quoted John Steinbeck: A sad heart can kill you quicker than a germ.
So, how am I doing, really? Kinda like you dear reader.
Well, today sadness presses in and germs abound.
Americans are dumbfounded – well, I am, anyway. I am sadder than I’ve ever been about the world in which I live.
Michael Cook from MercatorNet described what I feel:
What perplexes me is how little regard either side in the national (and even international) debate over the mob assault on Capitol Hill has for the other’s sensitivities. It’s like walking into a tense but polite Christmas dinner and defiantly asking Uncle Fred whether he still believes that climate change is a myth.
Not that President Trump has bothered to foster it, but Americans are in danger of losing that sense of civility which is vital for a democracy.
And COVID-19 kills thousands upon thousands upon thousands upon thousands.
How are we doing? Maybe a better question is what are doing?
Where did you worship today?
It’s not like we have no where to go to worship God and learn how to navigate the valleys.
Remember, as the pastor from Park Cities’ Presbyterian said, quoting Jack Miller:
“Cheer up! You’re a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine, and you’re more loved than you ever dared hope.” *
Sad hearts and germs are a given.
How-some-ever:
We have a great Physician who is always on call . . . Psalm 147:3
He rises to show us compassion . . . Isaiah 30:18.
Plus, we have music. right now I am listening to this album of John Rutter’s music. It is a goad to stay off the news and social media.
Finally, I will share this answer . . . a game response to what I should be doing:
When your dreams turn to dust, vacuum. ~quotegarden.com:
Or, paint . . . LOL (Snap Out of It)

Exodus 20:8-10
* This link might brighten your day dear reader. Thank you for reading!
Ahh yes. Layers of sadness. I have been using the Lectio365 app as a morning devotional practice. Yesterday I encountered a phrase in the prayer that brought me great comfort and hope.
“[Lord,] I can walk all the way into my sadness and find you there.”
The things I am sad about, as well as my sadness itself, are all known and seen by the One who loves me. He accompanies me in my lament and is the light to guide me out❤️
IS this from the church? It looks so goo. thanks