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I am often stumped by this simple question – how are you? I have to stop and actually think about how I am doing before I answer. I used to answer a quick, “fine and you?” But I can no longer do this with integrity. When someone takes the time to ask me this question I want to give them an honest answer. It’s just lately finding an honest answer that glorifies God and doesn’t draw unnecessary attention to me and my trouble takes thoughtful consideration.

This is a work God has done in my life. When a cashier at the grocery store asks me this question as I’m checking out, I know she really doesn’t want to know how I’m doing. This is her way of saying, “Hi!”

I get that.

But when a friend, or my husband asks me this question, I must give them an honest answer because I know they really want to know. And the only way for them to know is for me to tell them. They can’t read my mind, although I act at times as if they can.

I have been known to take offense when my husband doesn’t ask me how I’m doing. That sounds absurd, I know, but I think many married couples do this on a regular basis. If it weren’t common God wouldn’t have included this verse in the Bible from James 1:

Certainly God knows we lack wisdom. He wants us to ask as a means of our humbling ourselves before Him. He knows we have a tendency to NOT ask. But it is good to ask. In relation to marriage we can take this idea of asking and humbling ourselves as a way to serve our spouse. We can’t expect them to automatically know what we need. Most likely your spouse doesn’t think like you do; I know mine doesn’t, and I have learned to thank God for our differences. It gives us a balance we wouldn’t have left to ourselves.

So, why not plan a date night this week to talk about how you’re doing. And find out how  your spouse is doing as well. Most importantly – be honest – you know it IS the best policy!

♥ Fun Dates To Celebrate ♥

January 16

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 17

• Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday – Send your spouse a key attached to a string with this note, “In honor of Mr. Franklin’s birthday – let’s fly a kite together!” Plan a picnic and enjoy an afternoon date outside. Weather isn’t cooperating? Give them an IOU to use in the spring.

January 18th

• Jazz Day – Have your favorite artist playing when your spouse comes home for the night.

January 19th

• National Popcorn Day – Pop up your favorite variety at home, or plan a date at the movies to celebrate.
• Archery Day – Take your spouse to a shooting range to learn this ancient use of weaponry. Not a range around where you live? Watch one of the epic movies where archery is on full display.

January 20th

• Cheese Day – Invite a few couples over for a Wine and Cheese party. Or enjoy three varieties yourself.
• Basketball Day – This is a good excuse to spend an evening watching The Orlando Magic as they play the Lakers at 8p. ET, on ESPN.

January 21

• Hugging Day – Remember when you were dating and how much you enjoyed hugging? Well, today is a great day to relive it! We’re not talking a hug as you leave for work – no, make it a long, meaningful hug. The kind that leaves you wanting more…

January 22

• National Blonde Brownie Day – Yes, you are allowed to indulge today! Enjoy!!

♥ Things To Do In Orlando ♥

CENTRAL

• Winter Park – Camellia Show and Festival on Saturday, January 21st at beautiful Mead Gardens from 10a – 4p. FREE.
• Eatonville – The 23rd annual Zora Festival begins on Saturday, January 21st and runs through the 29th. See site for times, locations and details.
• Winter Park – Music at the Casa continues on Sunday, January 22nd from 12p – 3p. FREE. This week’s featured artist is harpist, Christine MacPhail.

NORTH

• Mt. Dora – Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza – Friday thru Sunday, January 20th – 22nd. This happens only three times a year – a great date day! See site for times and prices.

WEST

• Clermont – Lakeridge Winery presents the Winter Music Series on Saturday, January 21st from 1p – 4p. FREE.
• Downtown Winter Garden – Fridays on the Plaza features live music playing in the city’s gazebo from 7p – 9p. Check out JR’s Attic Door for a great place for dessert and coffee after dinner.