What do we really mean?

    Better yet, do we really mean what we say?  Do we really put our heart and soul into what we do?  If it was asked, what would those around us say about our commitment?  I've found myself saying to someone; "I'll pray for you for _________." and then not doing the praying.  We tend to hide behind what we say because we don't intend on doing what we say.  It's easier to say, "My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time." than to say, "I don't know what to say.  I'm sorry." and then shut up. 
     I used to believe that there was an answer to every question or situation.  Because of this belief others found me unbelievable or chalked it up to my "knowing it all."  I'm sorry for having left that impression to so many.  Please forgive me.  Please pray for me.  Don't tell me that you will pray for me if you won't.  I promise that in my life that is now the way I treat your issue or situation.  Don't confuse this with prayers uttered daily by some.  There are holy men and women of God who do just that.  Their prayers are essential and should never be considered otherwise. 
     I was caught in the act some years ago on a street in Chicago.  I had been in the habit of saying, "How are you?" when greeting someone.  This usually came after a "Hi." or "Good morning."  In this particular event I was on automatic pilot.  You know what I mean.  You've been there too.  I said my "Hi." and the man answered with a "Hi."  This is where I should have kept my mouth shut or been prepared to back up what I had to say.  I said, "How are you?"  I expected a one word "fine" or "okay".  What I received was, "Do you really care?"  Those 4 words stopped me dead in my tracks. 
     Because I do care about how I come across to people I stopped (even though it made me late for work.) and said, "You're the first person to have ever asked me that."  I followed up with, "I do care."  He said, "You are the first person who has stopped and answered my question."  He followed up with, "Thank you."  We talked briefly.  I was having an intimate conversation with someone whose name I did not even know. 
      He was right, you know.  He caught me as he had caught others.  We don't want to "go there" and actually be there for and with people.  "People don't care about how much you know until they know how much you care." We say things to placate people.  We ask questions we don't want to know the answers to.  We talk to keep distance between ourselves and reality.  We fail to be Christ to the world.
     I've thought about that man often over the years.  Usually when I greet someone and ask them how they are.  The difference now is that I don't usually ask the question unless I mean it and have the time to listen to an answer.  There are times when I've been asked the question, "How are you?" and I've answered, "Do you really want to know?"  People usually have one of a few responses.
      The first response is to ignore me and walk on.  I get this one a lot.  Another response is the stuttering as they try to find words.  They didn't expect any response to their question in the first place.  I like the ones where people stop long enough for their mouth to drop open before hurrying away.  There have been a few (very few) who have stopped and engaged me. 
      So, do we really mean the questions or the answers we give to others.  "Fine, how are you?"  Do we care enough to stop, listen and answer?  "Me too!  Let's have lunch."  "Say hi to the wife and family."  "I'm so sorry."  Do we care enough to stop, listen and answer?  What do we really mean when we engage others?
      I'll give you a hint.  However we interact with and treat others (even strangers) is a direct reflection on our relationship with God.  The first commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and might."  What do I love that I've put ahead of God?  You won't mind if I don't answer, will you?  The second commandment is like unto the first in that we are "to love your neighbor as yourself."  What do we really mean?  Do I feed the homeless like I feed myself?  Do I love the unlovable as I love myself?  Do I care for the widows and orphans as I care for myself?  Where is my real treasure?  Do I give the treasure away?  Do I really believe that I cannot out give God.
     What do we really mean?
     Do we?
     The shame for the number of times I have violated those two commands is so immense that only the grace of God can cover them.  So, today, like yesterday, I will try to be what God wants me to be to others...all others.  He might require me to give of myself and my bounty.  So be it.  He may ask that I actually pray on the spot for someone.  So be it.  He may ask that I forsake a meal so that someone who hasn't eaten for days may.  So be it.  He may ask that I tell someone about his son, Jesus instead of rushing off to some task that I think is more important.  So be it.
    Just for today I will try to submit my day to Jesus for his purpose.  Just for today I'll try to let Him order my day according to His will and not mine.  Just for today I will try to see people (all people) like he sees them.  Just for today I'll get out of the way so His will can be accomplished according to His plan and not mine. 
     Tomorrow I'll try to do the same.  I do mean what I say.  Give me the chance to prove it.  That's what grace does.