What Do I, Really?

 

When I say "good morning", do I really mean it, do I really want all those I meet to have a good morning, or am I just mouthing the words of greeting as I’m expected to do?

 

When I say "how are you today" do I wait for an answer, really caring that all is well, and stopping to listen if it is not?

 

When I pause to hold the door for another who follows, do I do this not because they are old or infirm, but because I really want to show an act of kindness?

 

When I wait in line patiently for my turn, do I do this without complaint, without jealousy, without worry when my turn will come?

 

When I awaken still remaining tired, do I keep it to myself, making sure that those I meet... meet the best of me, not the worst of me?

 

When I am burdened with the troubles of life, do I pray and hand over those burdens to God, or do I try to lighten my load by showing my burden and passing some on to others?

 

When someone else speaks to me do I really listen? Am I trying to understand what they are saying and do I really care; or am I listening with ears and mind for how I will be effected, and how to prepare my answer?

 

When I speak of others do I really speak of them clearly in terms of real interest or care for what they are doing, or do I speak of them to my advantage?

 

When I say I love You Lord, am I ready to really love Him by really loving my brothers and sisters?

 

When I am joyful, is my joy filled with a sense of my accomplishment or with gratitude for His gift to and through me?

 

When I say "I’m sorry" do I really mean that I wish I had not done or said what caused hurt to this relationship, to this person, or am I sorry that I did it or said it because the effect embarrassed Me?

 

When I say "congratulations", am I actually pleased for that person’s accomplishment or

do I say it with a thought that I too could have done that, or earned that, or accomplished that but didn’t?

 

 

When I say "I love you" do I say it because I thank God for you, His gift who completes me, because I feel God’s love in me for another; or because I am loved first?

 

 

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