To Hear....Or Not to Hear

The most common thing that is asked between people when they greet each other is probably that famous question “How are you?”  Have you ever stopped to think, how complex, those three little words can mean?  I’m not saying, it could be a hard question to ask, or it may be a hard question to answer; but the fact is, simply asking “How are you?” may have a significant impression on other person.  I often wonder if people just ask that question just out of habit or out of true sincere care of wanting to know how the other person is doing.  I’m sure we are all guilty of doing this at one point, including me.  You are asked “How are you” and as you answer that question, you notice “person who asked the question” isn't really paying attention and then you wonder why that person even bothered to ask you, “how are you?”.   Then you learn something.  You learn who you can really share things with and who you can just say “oh, I’m doing ok/fine” (otherwise known as the, “general” answer).

Of course, then you get to those friends, who really know you.  Those days when you are really tired, not feeling well, or having a mental hurting day, etc.  A friend calls and asks “How are you?” and if you dare say “I’m ok, I guess,”  Your friend (depending on how well she/he knows you will she/he knows you will say something  in the area like:  “REALLY? You don’t sound like it or ARE YOU SURE?” That’s a moment when you know, you can really share your feelings to someone who will listen. 

The preceding wasn’t a “soap box” of how we should change our ways of relating to each other, but just preview into my window world.     As you know, I daily go through health issues and many times it’s extremely rough, especially the past several weeks.    There are so many times, I’ve had to skip out on things/gatherings which can be lonely at times; but it doesn’t mean I don’t have good friends who care about me and for that I am grateful.

I'm forever grateful to have finally found a couple of doctors (neurologist and pain management doctor) who listens to every word I say and and how I feel and repeat it back to me by actively take notes, returning my calls themselves instead of a nurse calling me back.  Over the past year, it has been a refreshing feeling, knowing that I'm being well taking care of; even though, there are no  solid answers, the doctors and I at least know what the cause of the pain IS NOT.

The last several weeks and now are really rough…..extreme pain and; fatigue. I know I can sound like a broken record, and saying the same thing over and over won't make the pain go away, or the restless nights go away, or even the 2-3 doctor's appointments/monthly.  I’m sure she’s dead tired hearing me say it, but I know she’s listening to me and though she can’t help me…it helps to know she is there to just listen, even if I just want to cry.

But….

the bigger picture here is something I’m learning more and more each day.  The fact is……THE MOST IMPORTANT fact is: that my FATHER, ABBA, God, listens/hears to me.  He knows my condition; he knows my frustrations, my pain, my….everything.  He listens to my cries, and my prayers, even if no one else will. THAT is something I learn to be grateful for on a daily basis. HE is Who I need; HE is a daily reminder of knowing that there is always Someone there Who listens.