Your friend asks you the question that has been asked countless times before, “How are you doing?” Your response may often be the famous “I’m fine.” However, the truth behind “I’m fine” may be far from fine. I’ve been there before, and maybe you have, too. Without any walls, and in complete honesty, what does your carefree-version self say?

As we sat in the living room of a friend’s cozy, looks-like-Joanna-Gaines home, my friends asked one another, “How are you doing?” One friend says, “I’m fine,” while another friend similarly answers, “I’m good.” We all smiled at one another, knowing there was so much more beyond “I’m fine” and “I’m good.”

What’s beyond the surface of fine and good? I’m so glad me and my friends made space to listen. Trusting one another, after “I’m fine” and “I’m good,” these friends shared the truth behind how they were.

Life is a journey with winding roads. Some days are fine or good, and others are wonderful. We may be flying right along in carefree freedom down the road, but sometimes the curves will slow us down. While we may see slowing down as a burden, it can be an opportunity to notice. Notice what your heart needs or notice what a friend is saying.

When I’m slowed down by something and talk to Jesus about it, I notice something begins to shift in my atmosphere. I take my eyes off what slowed me down and pause to talk to my best friend.

It’s always refreshing when you have a friend that understands what’s behind the “I’m fine.” What’s even greater is when we entrust everything to the One who is always there, Jesus.

Picture yourself sitting with Jesus. You grab your favorite tea or coffee and let Him start. Jesus asks you, “How are you doing?”

Knowing He is faithful and trustworthy, what will you say?

There is an assurance we find in having a conversation with Jesus. My conversations with Him flow like talking across the table with a friend. I pause, share, and smile, knowing without a doubt that Jesus understands everything.

Jesus calls you friend.

“I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

John 15:15b

Jesus feels what we feel. He understands and knows what’s beyond the surface of fine and good. He cares. Like a faithful friend, He settles in to listen to every detail.

As we make space for Jesus around our table, we appreciate the slowing down as an invitation to notice all the goodness surrounding us. Beyond the fine, there is wonder and joy.

So friend, how are you doing? Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and talk to the One who knows and understands. Bring your “fine” and “good” and just be real.