Monday, February 21, 2011

Please Tell Me That Your'e FINE!

You know, this has been such a long winter for the McElyea's. The last two winters we may have had a sniffle here or there, but nothing to really stop us. This year. . . Holy Smokin Rockets!!!. . .we've had it all. . . and more than once! The flu, several colds, bronchitis twice, allergies, etc. It's been a winter of non-stop ICK at our house. Heaven forbid we run out of tissues!!!
I've learned something while wading through our sea of cough syrup and Vicks Vapor Rub. . .
When we see or talk to someone and ask how they are, most generally the answer is good or fine. We take that for granted and so quickly say it. I, like most, take it for granted that the day is fine. I forget to be thankful for those "fine" type of days. Fine is often boring. Fine is like being in a rut. But is that a bad thing?
After being so sick this last week, I've decided to try hard to remember to be thankful for "fine". I need rejoice in "fine". "Fine" is something I know well. It's comforting and safe. When things are "fine" I know my kids sleep well. "Fine" tells me that there is no strife or conflict. "Fine" is reassuring. It dawned on me that that is a good thing. Then, because I had a lot of time on my hands while in bed, I looked up the definition of "fine". I found. . .

adjective, fin·er, fin·est, adverb, verb, fined, fin·ing, noun
–adjective
1. of superior or best quality; of high or highest grade: fine wine.
2. choice, excellent, or admirable: a fine painting.

"Fine" is sooooo much more than we give it credit. I can't really change that, but I can change my attitude toward it.
I'm sure many of you think that I'm now sick in the head. Well. . . maybe. . .but I think that we need to be grateful for our "fine" type of days, because when things aren't "fine". . . . is when we long for it.
So. . .I hope things are "FINE" for you today.