That´s how we ask. That´s how the Americans greet each other. “How are you doing? The adults, mind you. The kids don´t do that. They´re never in the abstract.
But they like kind, cheerful greetings. They often respond with their lovely “Why” remarks. “Why do you ask?” or ”What´s your name?” or ”Where are you going?”
We once had a children´s party when our kids were just kids. One girl asked me, “Do you like children?” You bet I do. I agree with Søren Kierkegaard, our famous philosopher, who said, “I like to talk to children…” of whom – contrary to the adult people - he was hopeful.
A neighbor usually asks me, ”What´s new?” One day I said to him, “My answer is the same as a godly woman gave to the English poet Tennyson, “I know of no better news than the fact that Christ died for our sins!” He was a gentleman and said, “This is old news. And this is good news. And this is new news!”
In the U.S. I try to respond kindly when asked, “How are you doing?” You see, they never expect an honest answer. I would say, “Thanks for asking. Let me give my answer: I´m happy in Jesus Christ!” Sometimes we start talking, and they get my little Danish flag- card with a very simple gospel message. It´s always well received.
Billy Graham encourages us to always find an opportunity to point to Christ when meeting people. I believe he practised that himself.!
How are we doing? Not well apart from Christ. But in Him it´s well with us. Extremely well.”His soul will always be well!” (Psa. 25:13, Norwegian rendering).
-jn-
Aug. 20, 2010
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