Monday, February 01, 2010

WHY WHAT'S UP?

Why using What's Up?  This question has been on my mind lately.  Though it is a convenient term to use, I have unsettling feeling about using or being greeted with "What's up."

I looked up a dictionary this morning and found several definitions for "What's up":
1) The short version of "what is the update?"
2) A term used when people back in the day were astounded with the sky
3) A slag used in 1930s for "occupied with or busy with"

Unfortunately, "What's up" has commonly replaced the term "Hi" or "Hello."  I found that "What's up" is a short cut; it's too convenient to use.  If we pay attention closely, responses to "What's up" would be like "Nothing," "You know ..." or "Same 'ol same 'ol."  Would we expect "What's up" to lead us into a deeper, longer, or a more intimate conversation with the other party?

 Wouldn't it be nicer if we show that we really care when we ask or greet someone?  Instead of using "What's up", wouldn't it be nicer to use:
  • "Hello" or "How are you?" to greet someone
  • "Did you have a great weekend?" to welcome co-workers to a new week .. new Monday
  • "How can I help you?" if someone's needing our assistance
  • "Honey, how is your day going?" for a husband who is interrupted with a call from his wife
  • "You're home!  How was work, Honey?" for a wife who is greeting her husband at the door
  • "Is everything alright?" to catch up with friends
  • "I miss you.  Have you been healthy?" to open a conversation with parents
Oh boy, I'm glad God never "What's up" me when I come to Him to pray.  He's always open to my concern, questions, discussion, and praises.  God's response to my call is always settling in my heart.  He really is there for me, to invest time on me and to let me discover Him more.

With that great attention I'm getting from God, would I be using "What's up" to respond to others?  Would you?

May this be a blessing!

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