“I’m Here. How about you?”

Every day, at least one person asks me, “How are you?” My response is almost always, “I’m here.” That’s the most authentic answer I can give anyone. It’s not a rhetorical statement or something that’s open for random interpretation. It’s a truthful statement that quite literally describes my state of being at that moment in time.

“I’m here” is short for, “I’m here another day,” which means I’ve been granted another day to take tests, learn lessons, improve, be thankful, exercise forgiveness, give praise, offer something to the world, etc.

I’m here. You’re here. We’re all here, and we’re all doing this thing called life together, even if we are not all in the same location at the same time.

Not every day is easy for us all, but in each one is something for which we can be thankful. Always remember to give thanks for even the little things in life, because they can be taken away swiftly. Praise God immediately if that occurs. Job 1:21.

When “bad” or “challenging” things present themselves during the course of our days or lives, we can choose to handle them one of several ways.

Option 1 is to “handle” them by projecting or trying to cast them onto another human being — like maybe some quiet and seemingly content person who doesn’t look like they ever face any challenges. It might seem tempting to project something ugly onto someone who seems like “They’ll be aight,” but we never know what another human being has already had to endure.

The above is perhaps the worst way to handle life’s challenges and sorrows because it does not produce healing for anyone involved. A “caster” will only get temporary relief at best, and that’s only if the recipient accepts their package or agrees to wear a miserable garment.

Option 2 is to complain to other humans and harp on all the negative aspects. This option is also not good because most people have their own challenges and trials to tend to and can’t offer the kind of help we may like.

Option 3 is to complain to the Almighty or ask Him to help us see the growth opportunity or revelatory elements being presented in each situation. Heck, we can even complain a little and then uncover all the gems. He can handle all of our burdens. He can remove all of our dirty garments and replace them with more beautiful clothes. He can provide the comfort or strength we need to weather life’s storms.

Complaining to Him is permitted but is not always necessary in every situation. Listening to Him in whatever way He expresses Himself is always required, though.

All things work for our good in one way or another and at some time or another. Things will be just fine if we trust the process.

I have struggles like everyone else but am not consumed by those struggles. One aspect of my life has always been an area of struggle and is currently six feet under once again. A mixture of unexpected circumstances and (non-regretted) personal decisions relating to those circumstances caused the issue.

There’s really nothing to talk about there. Harping on it isn’t productive. Rambling about isn’t helpful. Complaining about it won’t get me anywhere, and being angry at specific people is not a fruit of the Spirit. So I choose to continue to show up for life every day and learn from it.

I’m here. How about you?