How are you doing?

So the last couple of years I've given a lot more thought to when someone asks "how are you doing?" My sister had said to me that when I tell people I'm "fine" I take away their opportunity to minister to me.

Well, I wasn't sure how much I agreed with that....but OK...I can see her point. And she is older than me so I'm supposed to listen to her wisdom right?!?!?

Then yesterday I was at the store standing in line. A regular customer of the store come over to the cashier to say hello and then asked her "how are you doing?" The cashier said "I'm fine" and the continued to talk for a few moments. The women then asked again "how are you doing?" and the cashier said "I'm fine". Then a third time the customer said "how are you doing?".

The cashier then finally admitted that she was having some trouble with her son and they continued to talk about it. (the cashier was ringing people up at the same time....so I didn't feel like she wasn't doing her job....you know that would have driven me crazy! But I was intrigued by the interchanged between them)

The customer proceeded to give her sympathies and even some thoughts on what she could do about the situation and some people she could talk to.

But it got me to thinking about my sisters comment about taking away other people's opportunity to minister. What if that customer hadn't kept asking the question? What if she had just walked by and not asked the question at all. The cashier now knows that someone out their truly cares about her and she even has some resources that she didn't have before.

So here's to my sister! You just might be right about this one! :o)