hello...how are you

Today I called one of my clients. She picked up the phone and I said, Hello. She said hi and at the same time we both said, “How are you?” Then we simultaneously answered, “Fine, thank you.” The interesting part to me was that neither one of us bothered to really let the other one answer. We said our hi’s and how are you’s not really concerned about the answer. How many times a day do we do this? I do it all the time. I see a co-worker and ask how they are, but I never slow down long enough to hear the answer. I am too busy with my “work” that I forget to do God’s work. If I would stop and really listen, God could use me for His glory in the life of someone…anyone. If only I would take the time to listen.
Today, tomorrow and for the days to come, I am going to challenge myself to ask the question and stick around long enough to hear the answer.