“How are you doing?”  “I’m great! Thanks! And you?” 

That sounds like the start of almost every conversation everywhere. Whether or not we are actually “great” might be another matter. Our reality is that some people are doing amazingly well and some people are hurting. Really hurting. If we are honest, everyone of us is somewhere on that spectrum between blessed and struggling. We all know too, that our situations are very fluid and can change rapidly.

I have been pleasantly surprised recently to see folks step up to help others in the best possible ways. The kindness is tangible and real. I love seeing people come alongside one another to help out as needed. Sometimes these are small acts of service that could go unnoticed and sometimes these are acts of sacrificial giving coming at great cost to the giver. 

As I gain experience as a pastor, I’m learning that everyone is wrestling with something. We are sometimes tempted to compare ourselves to others. Don’t do it. It is useless to compare our struggles because for each one of us struggles are very real. My battle is different than yours and yours is very different than mine. And that’s probably okay. 

I’m also learning that we handle battles differently. We tend to have default behavior and default tools that guide us. Some responses are innate and some are learned. Some people seem to have great tools in the toolbox and others seem to have room to grow. All of us could stand to sharpen the tools we have. Perhaps we even need to acquire some new tools with the help of counselors or spiritual leaders. 

One of the best tools we have access to is other people. We are not very good at carrying burdens alone. Of course no one wants to see anyone go through a crisis, but there is value in walking through a crisis with others. 

Whatever it is that you are going through, find some people that you can walk with. I understand that some issues are difficult to admit, but it is worth the effort to journey with others. I might even go so far as to say that God created us to walk in community. 

Churches can be great places to find our much needed community. My encouragement to you is to find a place to plug in. Of course I’d love to have you at my church, but if we aren’t a great fit then I will help you find another place to plug in. We have some amazing pastors and churches in our community. 

One great value in walking together is that we can encourage each other. When I’m having a down day I need to hear from my brothers and sisters. When I have something to celebrate, that celebration is so much sweeter with friends.

Whatever the circumstances, I often think of Psalms 126:3 (NIV) which says, “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” When I’m stuck thinking about my difficulties, I remember that the Lord has been so good to me. And then I remember that the Lord has been so good to us. So let’s encourage one another and build each other up. Let’s cheer each other on and support one another. 

“Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalms 34:3 NIV

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I’m a little slow in posting this. I wrote this piece for our local newspaper on January 17. Here is the original link: https://www.thesheridanpress.com/opinion/columnists/column-how-are-you-doing/article_0f70861a-d393-11ef-aa55-eb795fc06386.html