Thursday, October 22, 2009

How Are You?

The other day I attended a Relief Society meeting at a care center. I always enjoy going there and participating with these gentle, kind people who have lived long, long lives and seen so much of history. I enjoy talking with them after the meeting and hearing their stories. They all have led amazing lives with incredible experiences. But there is also a touch of sadness because some of them have lost the ability to recall their own stories. Some of them struggle to even know what is going on around them. And some have even lost the ability to struggle.

However, this week one of those women gave me a good laugh and made me think. I passed her in the hall after the meeting and said, “How are you?” Without looking at me she answered, “I don’t cook good.”

I was delighted at her honest and refreshing response. How many times a day do we exchange the how-are-you-I-am-fine greeting without any real emotion or meaning being exchanged? The word how means “state or condition,” and this woman told me what her condition was: she was not a good cook.

I hope this brings a smile to your day like it did mine. I also hope it makes you think about how you would sum your condition up in one sentence to answer the question, “How are you?” I think it varies day to day so that instead of the pat answer, “I’m doing well, thank you.” We could have a different answer every day. Today if anyone asks me “How are you?” I’m going to answer, “I’m a good reader.” Do you think that will startle anyone? Leave a comment and let me know how you are today.

17 comments:

Cathy said...

I am a frustrated algebra student!

amanda said...

I am EXCITED!!!! i just met Sis. Dalton and Sis. Cook at a lecture for the School of Education. What a blessing it was to thank them personally for all they do to build the kingdom!

And thank YOU too, Sis. Johnson, for keeping up such a refreshing and edifying blog.

Alyssa said...

I love this post. So much.

I am extremely content and happy.

Wendi said...

I love her answer as well. My answer is that today I'm trying to work on losing some weight, since my clothes don't fit me well--but I like food too much and I don't like exercising enough. :)

DeRae said...

Hi Sherrie. I love your hair.

Wendi said...

P.S. I love your new picture on the sidebar. Both looks are so pretty on you. :)

Anonymous said...

I love your new picture, you hair looks very sophisticated. My mother has quite advanced Alzheimer's and is in a care center. If we see her in person or talk on the phone and ask how she is doing, she will always say " I think I'm fine, but let me check the obituaries first". Then she just laughs and laughs. It is her favorite joke that she still remembers. Cathie

Martha said...

I am hopeful, and feeling so well taken care of by my Heavenly Father.

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Cathy, I'm sorry! I hope today you are something better!

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Amanda, You excitement was contagious! Thanks for sharing it with me and thanks also for the kind words.

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Alyssa, Thanks!

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

DeRae, Thank you and it's so GOOD to hear from you, old friend! I feel in love with how easy short hair is to take care of so I'm going to keep it short for at least awhile longer.

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Wendi, I like your "conflicted" how are you answer! And thanks for the kind words about my pictures. You always make me feel good!

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Cathie, Thanks for adding the story of your mother. That is so cute. Give her my love!

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Martha, Beautiful answer! I think I'll go with that one today. If anyone asks, I'm going to say, "I'm hopeful!"

dani said...

This ties in with the stories that we tell (and the beliefs that we form about ourselves-the woman had formed a belief about herself that was right on the surface when asked how she was doing). I had formed a belief that because I am a divorced single mom that I was limited in my ability to serve. However, whenever someone needed a meal brought I volunteered because I knew that was something that I could do. In the process I 'perfected' some of my recipes through repetition :) and now realize that I give love with every meal that I cook for someone-my loving energy goes into my food that I give others :) and now "I cook good".

Joe's Mum said...

Hi Sherrie!
Hope this finds you well. I like what you have added to your blog ;) I was looking for info on the woman with the blood disease who had the faith that if she just touched the hem of the Savior's robe, would be healed or made whole. Maybe you just taught it at Ed Week. My cute daughter Haley has done an oil of that act of faith- I would love for her to understand more of the meanings and symbols in the story- if you have more insights (and I'm not doubting that you do...:) I would love to share them with her.
my email dusty.edwards1@gmail.com take care love you
Dusty