Dear Reader:

The other day I came across an article which made me pause and reflect on our daily greetings and their cultural significance. We, Americans, are used to “How are you today?” as we briskly pass a stranger or casual acquaintance and are slightly irritated if they respond with more words than “Fine, thank you.”

In Persian or Arabic (English translation) it sounds more like: “How is your haal”? What is this haal that you inquire about? It is the transient state of one’s heart. In reality, the question is, “How is your heart doing at this very moment, at this breath?” When I ask, “How are you?” that is really what I want to know.

I am not asking how many items are on your to-do list, nor asking how many items are in your inbox. I want to know how your heart is doing, at this very moment. Tell me. Tell me your heart is joyous, tell me your heart is aching, tell me your heart is sad, tell me your heart craves a human touch. Examine your own heart, explore your soul, and then tell me something about your heart and your soul.

Tell me you remember you are still a human being, not just a human doing. Tell me you’re more than just a machine, checking off items from your to-do list. Have that conversation, that glance, that touch. Be a healing conversation, one filled with grace and presence.

The young author concludes this difference in cultural greetings with these final thoughts:

I don’t have any magical solutions. All I know is that we are losing the ability to live a truly human life.

W. B. Yeats once wrote, “It takes more courage to examine the dark corners of your own soul than it does for a solider to fight on a battlefield.”

How exactly are we supposed to examine the dark corners of our soul when we are so busy? How are we supposed to live the examined life?

I want us to have a kind of existence where we can pause, look each other in the eye […] and inquire together: Here is how my heart is doing. […]

How is the state of your heart today?

(How Is Your Heart Doing?by Omid Safi)

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When I finished reading this excerpt the other day I thought to myself….“How IS my heart today?” I am encouraged to see young people starting to ask these types of questions, while pondering whether human beings have given up too much humanity to machines and technology. Sometimes all that is left is a blinking light in the night on a screen for company. Where did it all go wrong?

So until tomorrow…My heart today is open to hope and new possibilities that humanity can take the time necessary to soul search their connection to their Creator and continue to be a beacon of light for others lost in the darkness.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the pooh

*The Turners are off to Disney World today…..My wish for all of you is to have more joyous occasions than problems and more memories added to the treasure box of your lives.

Yesterday I took cards with a little “funny money” in them to Eva Cate and Jakie….Eva Cate understands now what the money represents in the form of buying power…but Jakie was excited too. He was just so happy to have a letter he could open….he kept yelling “MINE MINE” He strutted around in his pj’s waving his card….too proud!

Jakie is 21 months today….and he’s my hugger…he loves to put his face up beside yours and just stay like that while he is in his loving zone!

Walsh brought the boys over to Mandy and John’s and the cousins all had a swimmingly good time! Tommy and Kaitlyn will be holding down the fort with Tigger and friends while John, Mandy and family are gone…starting today

(We keep trying…but the elusive (everyone facing the camera at the same time) is still eluding us….maybe next time…hope is eternal.

Speaking of “How is your heart today”….Ted, Brooke’s husband has been experiencing some heart problems this past week and certainly all prayers for improved health are appreciated.