Be careful with this phrase:
“Have a nice day!”
It shouldn’t be used with everyone.
Sometimes, it’s inappropriate.
Like the mindless, “Welcome to Wal-Mart!”
It’s offered to everyone entering the store…
…including shoplifters.
Wal-Mart greeters should qualify folks.
Greeter: “Are you planning to rob us?”
Shopper: “No.”
Greeter: “Welcome to Wal-Mart!”
You should be no less vigilant.
Do some research before blithely chirping, “Have a nice day!”
You: “Are you a serial killer?”
Other: “What the hell are you talking about?”
You: “Do you torture animals?”
Other: “Get away from me!”
You: “What are you trying to hide?”
Other: *backs away while dialing 911*
Obviously, you don’t want criminals to have a nice day.
But there are non-criminals who shouldn’t have nice days too.
And you’re hurting them when you wish them well.
Sometimes, misery is God’s way of getting our attention.
Rather than telling the church leaders to ‘have a nice day’, Stephen said this:
“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” – Acts 7
This gave the church leaders pause.
…and they stoned Stephen to death.
Then they had lunch.
And were warmly welcomed at the restaurant.
“God bless you, Rabbis!”
There are times when it’s proper to wish people a bad day.
Wish them a day full of soul searching.
Wish them hours of painful confrontations with inner demons.
Wish them a despair that drives them to their knees.
Wish them the dreadful insight of honest self-evaluation.
Sometimes, ‘have a bad day’ is the nicest thing you can say.
11 Responses
Well this brings into question the definition of “nice” or “good”. Soul searching, inner struggles with your pride and honest evaluations are good, though uncomfortable. We aren’t wishing people “have a comforting day!” we’re wishing them a good day. So… Whether you’re having an uncomfortably good day or a comfortably good day…
Have a good day!
Okay. The distinction between ‘nice’ and ‘good’ is legitimate. So ‘have a good day’ is appropriate whether it’s nice or not.
Sample sentences:
“Our comment threads are always good.”
“The absence of trolls in this comment section makes it both good AND nice.”
🙂
You’re indoctrinated.
Have a nice day!
Thank you. The day just isn’t complete until I’ve heard that at least once.
Have a nice day
I’ve heard that somewhere, from somebody. Can’t place who
LOL.
I’m glad someone else cites the seventh of Acts. No wonder the modern day rabbis have no use for the New Testament, as Stephen put his finger on the pulse of Israel’s asterisk laden history of stubbornness. Truly a miracle there with Saul giving the nod, then later Paul coming to his senses, and from that day forward…………..having a nice day………….. 😉
We just need to say it more precisely. “Have a day in which you are nice to everyone, and the world reciprocates.” Just have to say it really fast before they lose interest and wander off staring at their smartphone.
“Have a day of heightened awareness of how great your life really is, with the right perspective!”…
”Welcome to Wal – Mart.”
Wise words 👍