Enjoying a Better Than I Deserve moment with some grandchildren and our dog
Sometimes I wish we still spoke to one another in Jane Austen English. When was the last time a friend met you on the street and inquired into the health of your parents? (Unless your parents are seriously, ill, of course.)
Their conversations were not idle chatter, either. When a gentleman asked about the health of a young woman’s family, he was sincerely looking out for her. People died from a head cold in those days. Or at least from the complications of simple things we treat with a quick round of antibiotics today.
A gentleman might be fine on Tuesday and then be a few hours from the grave by Sunday. So, when they asked about one another’s health, they were actually looking for information of a serious nature. And they really wanted to know the answer. (partly so they could stay away from any house that had disease.)
All that to say, I often look for a better way to answer the standard, “How are you?” of our society — which actually means nothing at all. Few people who ask the question really want to know the answer. If you think they do, just try telling the truth next time someone asks.
My husband, however, has come up with the perfect response. He is acutely aware of mercy in his life these days. So anytime someone asks, “How are you doing, Doc?” he smiles and says, “Much better than I deserve.”
Dad is such a guy for the words! I love this response. I don’t believe Dad deserves any less than what he has. But what a grateful way to live. So much of the time I (and surely many others) have such a wonderful life and still feel I’m entitled to more. I’m sufficiently reminded otherwise.
I agree about your dad, Seren. I’m so glad to be his.
I have a friend who always says “Better than I deserve” when we ask him how he is. It’s such a gentle but powerful reminder that we ARE, in fact, the recipients of much more than we deserve.
Thanks for stopping by, Katie.
What a great response! Sounds like a man who has learned to live life with a grateful heart! How inspiring!