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How are you? We often use that term when we speak to others or when they speak to us, but do we really care? Do we really take the time to hear what the other person has to say and how they are actually doing? An article was published on March 7 that said, “How are you? These are the three most useless words in the world of communication. The person asking doesn’t really want to know, and the person responding doesn’t tell the truth. What follows is a lost opportunity and meaningless exchange with zero connection.”

Hmm — that made me pause and re-examine my use of the phrase. I ask “How are you?” all the time. I say it to people I know and I say it to people I don’t know as a form of greeting. While in general, I do care how people are, but there are times when I may not have the time for a person to really tell me how they are so I’m hoping their obligatory response is “fine, and you?” Then I can say fine and we can go on about our business. But the problem is, they may not be fine and there are times when I’m not fine and we both may just need someone to actually care about how we are doing.

We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

It’s time to get back to caring for one another. It’s time to ask how are you and really take the time to listen. Imagine how much better the world would be if we showed just a little more interest, a little more caring, a little more love.

So the next time I see you and I say, “How are you,” whatever your response is, I will take the time and show you that how you are matters to me. Be blessed in Jesus name.

Mary Simmons is a columnist for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. She can be reached at Marysimmons6@hotmail.com.