in a nutshell

You know when you run into a friend you haven't seen for a couple weeks and the natural, "how are things?" question is asked? And then, generally speaking, as to not keep your inquiring friend tied up for a half hour, you simply answer, "Well. Things are going well. Yeah, life is full, but we are all doing great." It's a concise and sufficient answer. And, speaking from experience, sometimes life can feel so full and yet so mundane that I feel that truly is my best answer. Because let's be real, who wants to hear about you picking up your dogs' business in the back yard, or how your car stalled out again for the third time that week. It's just not a head-nod-and-move-on kind of reply.

Sometimes I wish it were appropriate to say, "We've had school trips, and doctor appointments, and broken refrigerators, and potty training episodes, and dryer malfunctions, and tired mornings, we've been late to school, and the house is a wreck, and birthday parties, and vacation planning, and budget interruptions, and spelling tests, and tantrums in stores, and stained clothing, missing family, and trying to make school plans for next year, and a host of other family subjects that aren't meant for the general public... "

These things are all factual, but they just don't quite make it into conversation. I am sure my friends are grateful for that. Some days the 'nutshell version' just has to suffice. But I am grateful for the opportune times where we can just be real with each other.

So, next time you see me perusing, or rushing through Target, or in the hallway of church, or passing me in the carpool lane, let's just assume that we both really are well but life is, well LIFE. And, thanks for asking. ;)