Monday, March 09, 2009

The Best Thing About...

The best thing about my...

Is that a great phrase to begin a thought or what?

Think of the potential of the response to your salutatory question to a significant other, friend, relative, colleague, or acquaintance that begins in that way.

When I mention a 'salutatory' question, I mean the one that usually is phrased as "what's up?", "how are you doing?", or something to that general effect, you get the idea.

I figure most of you are smarter than I give you credit for, so you probably already know what I'm about to propose.

How about phrasing your salutatory question in a way that leads to a response like the opening phrase of this post?

Why?

In my circles, and in the interactions I have had in my 37 years, I have noticed that the normal salutatory questions perpetuate a couple things: superficiality and negative outlook.

If I ask you what is the best thing about your week so far, what choice do you have but to think about the positive? Sure, it is all relative, but seriously friends, we live in the best time (era - don't focus on just today, think about the 'time' or era you were born into) the world has known in a LONG time!

If we keep focusing on the negative, whether intentionally or not, how can we expect to have anything but a life that struggles just to barely escape despair?

Be the change! Be the hope! Ask better questions!

4 comments:

Matt Hartzell said...

Dude...you're almost 40.

ashby said...

ah yes, Matt gets straight to the point yet again. : )


this is solid, Dave! thanks for the reminder to remain upbeat.

Dave Ketah said...

The best thing about Matt is his profound ability to deduce great truths!

Phil Steller said...

Good thoughts. I'll try. The best part of yesterday was when Dave, Brenda, Andrew and Abigail came over for dinner. Yummy food. Fantastic company. Great conversation.

Good things about today: I get to listen to the Bible as much as I want while working. Best lunch I've had in quite a while - leftover lasagna! Mmmmm...

It is beautiful outside! Makes me want to go on a vacation. I'm looking forward to Community Group tonight. All is well, as long as I take the time to consider it. We are a blessed people.

Thanks for the reminder.